1 academic related to a school; not practical or directly

useful
abase lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make
accede agree
(oneself) lose self-respect
accelerate move faster
♠ abash embarrass
accessible easy to approach; obtainable
♠ abate subside or moderate
accessory additional object; useful but not essential
abbreviate shorten
thing
abdicate renounce; give up (position, right, or responsi-
acclaim applaud; praise; greet with great approval; an-
bility)
nounce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has
aberrant abnormal or deviant been acclaimed as the most important discoveries for
years; N: strong expression of approval and praise
aberration deviation from the normal; mental disorder
acclimate adjust to climate or environment; adapt
♠ abet assist usually in doing something wrong; encour-
age ♠ acclivity sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity
♠ abeyance suspended action accolade award of merit; strong praise and approval
abhor detest; hate ♥ merit good quality deserving praise; merits: aspect
of character or behavior deserving approval or disap-
abject (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible;
proval; Ex. judge each plan on its own merits; V: de-
lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-
serve; earn
respect; Ex. abject apology
♥ demerit fault; bad quality
abjure renounce upon oath
♥ earn gain for the performance of service or labor; gain
ablution washing
(something that one deserves); deserve
abnegation renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation
accommodate oblige or help someone; adjust or bring
abolish cancel; put an end to into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. ac-
commodative; CF. accomodating: helpful and obliging
abominate loathe; hate
abominable detestable; extremely unpleasant
accomplice partner in crime
aboriginal being the first of its kind in a region; primi-
accord agreement
tive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine
accost approach and speak first to a person
abortive unsuccessful; fruitless
♠ accoutre equip; N. accoutrement
abrasive rubbing away; tending to grind down
accretion growth or increase in size by gradual addi-
abridge condense or shorten
tion; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex.
abrogate abolish towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete
♠ abscission cutting off; separation accrue come to one as a gain; accumulate over time;
come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from
abscond depart secretly and hide
scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank ac-
absolute complete; totally unlimited; having complete count; N. accrual
power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler;
♠ acerbity bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic:
CF. absolutism
bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)
absolve pardon (an offense) ♥ bitter having a sharp biting taste;  H; causing
abstain refrain; withhold from participation; intention- sharp pain to the body or mind; filled with
ally not use one’s vote; l ݶ resentment, dis- appointment, or other unpleasant
feelings; Ex. bitter wind/sorrow/tears
abstemious sparing in eating and drinking; temperate
♥ biting sharply painful to the body or mind; Ex. biting
abstinence restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or wind/remarks
drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote
♠ acetic vinegary
abstract theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational
♠ acidulous slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp;
♥ representational (of a style of art) showing things as caustic
they actually appear in real life
acknowledge recognize; admit
abstruse obscure; profound; difficult to understand
♠ acme peak; pinnacle; highest point
abusive coarsely insulting; physically harmful
acoustics science of sound; quality that makes a room
♠ abut border upon; adjoin easy or hard to hear in
abysmal bottomless acquiesce assent; agree passively; comply without
abyss enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit protest

1
 acquittal deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free adorn decorate
from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty;
conduct (oneself) in a specified manner adroit skillful (in using mind or hand)

♠ acrid bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pun-

gent 2
♠ acrimonious stinging; caustic; bitter in words or man- adulation flattery; admiration that is more than is nec-
ner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech essary or deserved
or behavior adulterate make impure or of poorer quality by adding
acrophobia fear of heights inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances
actuarial calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics advent arrival

actuary someone who advises insurance companies adventitious accidental; casual; happening by chance
♠ actuate motivate; activate; cause to act adversary opponent; enemy
acuity sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing) adverse going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile
adversity great hardship or affliction; misfortune;
acumen mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; abil- calamitous event
ity to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen ♠ advert refer
acute (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; advocacy support; active pleading on behalf of some-
penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of one or something
smell/analysis/pain
advocate speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan);
♠ adage wise saying; proverb urge; plead for
♥ proverb adage; someone or something well known for ♠ aegis shield; protection; defense
notoriety; ADJ. proverbial: of a proverb; widely known;
ADV. proverbially ♠ aerie(aery,eyrie,eyry) nest of a large bird of prey

adamant hard; inflexible aesthetic artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciat-

ing the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete;
adapt make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; CF. aesthetics
modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composi-
tion recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption affable easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly
of a short novel. friendly

♠ addendum addition; appendix to book; something that affected artificial; pretended

is added (as at the end of a speech or book) affidavit written statement made under oath (for use as
addiction compulsive habitual need proof in a court of law)
♠ addle make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; affiliation joining; associating with
become rotten (egg) affinity feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity
address direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or dis- for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages
cuss; direct one’s efforts or attention to; make with a affirmation positive assertion; confirmation; solemn
destination; N: formal speech pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm;
adept expert at; very skilled ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive dis-
crimination
adhere stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: ad-
hering; devotion; loyality affliction state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suf-
fering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on
adherent supporter; follower
affluence abundance; wealth
adjacent adjoining; neighboring; close by
affront insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V:
♥ adjoin be next to insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally
♥ adjourn suspend until a later time; move from one place ♠ agape openmouthed
to another
♠ agenda items of business at a meeting
adjunct something attached to but holding an inferior
position ♠ agglomeration collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather
into a rounded mass; N. aggolmeate: jumbled mass;
adjuration solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; heap
enjoin solemnly
aggrandize make greater; increase in power, wealth,
♠ adjutant staff officer assisting the commander; assistant rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement
aggregate sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or
admonish warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; re- whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dol-
prove lars
♥ adore love deeply and respect highly aghast filled with great surprise or fear; horrified

2
 agility nimbleness; ability to move quickly ambidextrous capable of using either hand with equal
agitate stir up; disturb ease
agnostic one who is skeptical of the existence or knowa- ambience environment; atmosphere; Ex. restraurant
bility of a god or any ultimate reality with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely
surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature
♠ agog highly excited; intensely curious
ambiguous unclear or doubtful in meaning; having
agrarian pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrar-
more than one possible interpretation
ian reform
ambivalence the state of having contradictory or con-
alacrity cheerful promptness without reluctance
flicting emotional attitudes or opinions
alchemy medieval chemistry
amble walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk
♠ alcove nook; recess slowly and aimlessly
alias an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to ♠ ambrosia food of the gods
mislead people); ADV. alias
♥ nectar drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
alienate make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate;
change the ownership of ambulatory able to walk

alimentary supplying nourishment ameliorate improve

♠ alimony payments made regularly to an ex-spouse amenable obedient; compliant; readily managed; re-
after divorce sponsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable
legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable
allay calm; pacify to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex.
allege state without proof amenable to the usual tests
allegiance loyalty amend correct; change ; generally for the better

3
♠ allegory story, play, or picture in which characters
are used as symbols; fable
alleviate relieve (pain) amenities convenient features that helps to make life
alliteration repetition of beginning sound in poetry pleasant; social courtesies

allocate assign; set apart for a particular purpose amiable agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly

♥ earmark set aside (money or time) for a particular pur- amicable peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome;
pose Ex. amicable settlement
alloy mixture as of metals; something added that low- ♠ amiss wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss; ADV.
ers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower amity friendship; peaceful relationship as between na-
in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture tions
with other maetals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. un-
alloyed happiness amnesia loss of memory
allude refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference amnesty pardon (allowed by government to political
criminals)
allure entice; attract; tempt
amoral nonmoral; having no understanding of right
♥ siren apparatus for making sounds; womanlike crea-
and wrong
ture
amorous moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love;
alluvial pertaining to soil deposits left by running water
Ex. amorous advances
amorphous formless; lacking shape or definition
♠ aloof apart; not open in one’s relationship with other
people; reserved; ADV. amphibian able to live both on land and in water; N.
♠ aloft upward; high up in the air amphitheater oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena
altercation noisy quarrel
altruistic unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. ♠ ample enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex.
altiruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of
unselfishness; OP. egoism being ample; abundance; largeness of space

♠ amalgamate (of societies or groups) combine; unite in amplify increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or
one body clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. am-
plify one’s remarks with a graph
♠ amalgam combination of different things; mixture of
metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in ♠ amputate cut off part of body; prune (a limb)
teeth ♠ amok(amuck) in a state of rage; Ex. run amok
♠ amass collect (gradually, in a very large amount) ♠ amulet charm; talisman; an object worn believed to pro-
amazon female warrior tect against evil, bad luck

3
 anachronism an error involving time in a story; some- antagonism hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize:
thing or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who
is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal
♠ analgesic causing insensitivity to pain; N. character in oppostion to the protagonist
♥ analgesia condition of being unable to feel pain ♥ protagonist leader or noticeable supporter of an idea;
chief character in a play or story
analogous comparable; similar
antecede precede
analogy similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar
things antecedents preceding events that influence what
comes later; ancestors or early background
anarchist person who seeks to overturn the established
government; advocate of abolishing authority antediluvian antiquated; extremely ancient
anarchy absence of governing body; state of disorder ♠ anthem song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national an-
them
♠ anathema solemn curse; someone or something re-
garded as a curse; V. anathematize ♠ anthology book of literary selections by various au-
thors; CF. omnibus
ancestry family descent; ADJ. ancestral
anthropoid manlike; resembling a human being; N.
anchor secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. an-
chorage anthropologist student of the history and science of hu-
ancillary serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary; N. mankind

anecdote short story of an amusing or interesting event anthropomorphic having human form or characteris-
tics

anemia condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; anticlimax letdown in thought or emotion; something
ADJ. anemic unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after
something important or exciting
anesthetic substance that removes sensation with or
without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia antidote remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex.
antidote to the economic troubles
anguish acute pain; extreme suffering
antipathy aversion; dislike or opposition
angular sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded
(body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner ♠ antiquated obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated

animadversion critical remark; V. animadvert: com- ♥ antique made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N:
ment critically with disapproval object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare
or valuable
animated lively; spirited
♥ antiquity quality of being very old; ancient times;
animosity active enmity ¦@/
♠ animus hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; antiseptic substance that prevents infection in a wound;
disposition ADJ.
annals records arranged in yearly parts; history antithesis contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. anti-
anneal reduce brittleness and improve toughness by thetic or antithetical
heating and cooling (metal or glass) ♥ antler bony growth on the head of a deer
annex attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; ♠ anvil iron block used in hammering out metals
incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit
(by force); N: building added to a large one apathy lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or in-
terest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy
annihilate destroy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic
annotate comment; make explanatory notes ♠ ape imitate or mimic (a person’s behavior or manner)
annuity yearly allowance ♠ aperture opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera
annul make void that limits the amount of light
♥ elope run away secretly with the intention of getting ♠ apex tip; summit; climax; highest point
married
aphasia loss of speech due to injury or illness
♠ anodyne drug that relieves pain or trouble; ” :Ÿx]j;
opi- ate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement aphorism pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic

anoint consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony) ♠ apiary a place where bees are kept

anomalous abnormal; irregular ♥ hive box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive

anomaly irregularity ♥ apiculture bee-keeping

anonymity state of being nameless; anonymousness; ♥ apiarist person who keeps bees
ADJ. anonymous ♠ aplomb poise; composure in difficult situations; assur-
ance; self-confidence
4
♥ poise good judgment with composure; balance; V: arbitrary unreasonable or capricious; random; tyranni-
place in a carefully balanced position cal; Ex. arbitrary ruler
apocalyptic prophetic; pertaining to revelations espe- arbitrate act as judge (at the request of both sides)
cially of disaster; N. apocalypse
♠ arboretum place where different trees and shrubs are
♠ apocryphal (of a story) widely believed but untrue studied and exhibited
apogee highest point; the point farthest from the earth; ♥ arboreal of or living in trees
OP. perigee
arcade a covered passageway usually lined with shops
♠ apolitical having an aversion or lack of concern for po-
litical affairs arcane esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the
initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to
♠ apologist one who writes in defense of a cause or insti-
the uninitiated listener
tution; N. apologia
♠ apoplexy stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too archaeology study of artifacts and relics of early
much blood in the brain mankind

♠ apostate one who abandons his religious faith or politi- ♠ archaic antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the
cal beliefs; N. apostasy past; N.
♠ archetype prototype; primitive pattern
♠ apothecary druggist; pharmacist
arch- chief; first; Ex. archbishop
4 ♠ archipelago group of closely located islands
♠ apothegm(apophthegm) pithy, compact saying ♠ archives public records; place where public records are
♠ apotheosis elevation to godhood; an ideal example kept
of something ardor heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent
appall dismay; shock deeply ♠ arduous hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work
apparition ghost; phantom ♠ argot slang; speech spoken by only a small group of
appease pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. people
appeasement aria operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an
♠ appellation name; title opera or oratorio
append attach ♠ arid (of land) dry; barren; unproductive
♠ application diligent attention; diligence; V. apply aristocracy hereditary nobility; privileged class; gov-
one- self ernment by nobility; N. aristocrat
apposite appropriate; fitting armada fleet of warships
appraise estimate value of; N. appraisal aromatic fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma:
appreciate be thankful for; increase in worth; be thor- strong pleasant smell
oughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be arraign charge in court; indict
felt; Ex. appreciable difference
♠ array marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order;
apprehend arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. ap- clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group;
prehension Ex. in battle array
♠ apprehensive fearful; discerning arrears being in debt; money that should have been
apprise inform paid; work that should have been done
approbation approval ♠ arrhythmic lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia
appropriate acquire; take possession of for one’s own
use without permission; set aside for a particular pur- arrogance pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleas-
pose; allocate; CF. misappropriate antly self-important (with a strong confidence in one’s
own importance and a lack of respect for other people)
♠ appurtenances subordinate possessions; something
added to a more important thing ♠ arroyo gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater
♠ apropos with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apro- ♥ artery blood-vessel; CF. vein
pos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.
articulate effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly;
aptitude fitness; talent having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate
♠ aquiline curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pro-
aquiline nose nounce clearly; unite by joints

♠ arable fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land arsenal storage place for military equipment
arbiter person with power to decide a matter in dis- artifacts object made by human beings, either hand-
pute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judg- made or mass-produced
ments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware ♠ artifice deception; trickery

5
 artisan a manually skilled worker
♠ artless without guile; open and honest
5
♠ astral relating to the stars
ascendancy controlling influence; position of control-
ling influence; CF. in the ascendant astringent binding; causing contraction (stopping
bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent
ascertain find out for certain; make certain criticism
ascetic practicing self-denial; avoiding physical plea- astronomical enormously large or extensive
sures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist
monks; N. asceticism astute wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something
that is to one’s advantage
ascribe refer; attribute; assign
♠ asunder into parts; apart; V. sunder
aseptic preventing infection; having a cleansing effect
asylum place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious
♠ ashen ash-colored; deadly pale
or political)
♠ asinine stupid; Ex. asinine remarks
asymmetric not identical on both sides of a dividing
♠ askance with a sideways or indirect look (with disap- central line
proval or distruct); Ex. look askance at
♠ atavism resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to
♠ askew crookedly; slanted; at an angle parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ.
asperity sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or atavistic
weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter atheistic denying the existence of God; N. atheism
aspersion slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on atone make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for
aspirant seeker after position or status atrocity brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious
aspire seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex.
atrophy wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and
aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the lead-
muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)
ership
attentive alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying
assail assault
attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex.
♠ assay analyze (to discover what materials are present); attentive audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady;
evaluate (soil or ore) N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration
assent agree; accept; N. assessment attenuate make thin; weaken
♠ assert state strongly or positively; demand recognition attest testify; bear witness
of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful ac-
tion); Ex. assert one’s independence attribute essential quality; V: ascribe; explain

assiduous diligent attrition rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in

numbers or strength; reduction in the work force with-
assimilate absorb; take (food) into the body and digest out firing employees; wearing away of opposition by
it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition
use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the peo-
ple of a country or race in the wasy of behaving or think- ♠ atypical not normal; not typical
ing) audacious daring; bold; N. audacity
assuage mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy
audit examination of accounts of a business; official ex-
(hunger); soothe (anger)
amination; V.
assumption something taken for granted; the taking
augment increase; add to
over or taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of
power; V. assume ♠ augury omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. au-
♥ regent a person who governs in place of a ruler who is gur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)
ill, absent, or still a child; ADJ. Ex. the Prince regent
assurance firm statement that something is certainly august impressive; majestic
true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one’s ♠ aureole sun’s corona; halo; bright circle of light
own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his as-
surances, he did not come back; Ex. assurance of his ♠ auroral pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora
loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance in fron of australis
his class; V. assure; tell firmly with confidence; ensure; auspicious favoring success; giving signs of future suc-
make (something) certain to heappen; make (someone) cess; Cf. auspices
feel sure; give confidence to; ADJ. assured: self-assured;
confident in one’s own ability; showing certainty austere forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or
enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a
asteroid small planet monk’s austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathe-
♠ astigmatism eye defect which prevents proper dral; N. austerity
focus; OP. stigmatism authenticate prove genuine

6
 authoritarian subordinating the individual to the state; ♠ badinage teasing conversation; banter; joking talk
completely dominating another ’s will; Ex.
authoritarian regime/father baffle frustrate; perplex

authoritative having the weight of authority; regarded ♠ bait harass; tease; torment; Ex. badger baiting; N: food
as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals
peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictio- ♠ baleful evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; hav-
nary/manner; CF. definitive ing a malign influence; portending evil; ominous;
autocratic having absolute unchecked power; dictato- threatening; Ex. baleful look
rial; N. autocrat, autocracy ♠ balk stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse
automaton mechanism that imitates actions of humans; to continue; foil; stop or get in the way of; frustrate
machine that works by itself ♠ ballast heavy substance used to add stability or weight;
autonomous self-governing; N. autonomy V. supply with ballast

autopsy examination of a dead body; postmortem; V. ♠ balm something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a
pleasant smell from trees
auxiliary offering or providing help; additional or sub-
sidiary; N: helper; assistant ♥ pang sudden sharp feeling of pain

avalanche great mass of falling snow and ice ♠ balmy soft and mild (of air); fragrant

avarice greediness for wealth banal hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking original-
ity; cliche´ d
avenge take vengence for something or on behalf of
♠ bandy discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous
someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the
village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy
words with
avenged themselves on their enemy.
bane posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poi-
aver state confidently; declare as true
sonous
averse reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex.
bantering joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V.
averse to cats/doing the house work
banter
aversion firm dislike
barb sharp projection from fishhook, arrow, or other ob-
avert prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. ject; openly cutting remark
An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She
averted her eyes from the terrible sight.
aviary enclosure for birds; large cage
6
♠ bard poet
♠ avid greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N.
♠ barefaced shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold; un-
avidity
concealed; having no covering on the face; Ex. barefaced
avocation secondary or minor occupation lie
avow declare openly; N. avowal ♥ unregenerate making no attempt to change one’s bad
avuncular of or like an uncle practices

awe solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with won- ♠ baroque highly ornate
der and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome barrage barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelm-
♥ awful terrible; very bad ing profusion; large number of questions or statements;
Ex. a barrage of criticism
♠ awl pointed tool used for piercing
barrister counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court
♠ awry distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone of law; CF. bar
awry.
♥ solicitor lawyer in the lower court of law
axiom self-evident truth requiring no proof
barterer trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for
♠ azure sky blue other goods rather than money
♠ babble chatter idly or foolishly; make continuous ♠ bask luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
sounds like water running gently over rounded stone;
♥ luxuriate take pleasure in great comfort
N.
♠ bastion stronghold; something seen as a source of pro-
♠ bacchanalian drunken
tection; Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism
♥ bacchanal noisy party with a lot of drinking
♠ bate let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain;
♥ Bacchanalia the ancient Roman festival in honor of Bac- Ex. with bated breath; CF. abate
chus
♠ bauble trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
♠ badger pester; annoy continually with demands; per-
♠ bawdy indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny
suade by asking again and again; Ex. The children bad-
way; CF. bawd
gered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of
mountain animal ♠ beatific giving or showing bliss; blissful

7
♥ bliss complete happiness; ADJ. blissful benign kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex.
♠ beatitude blessedness; state of great happiness benign tumor
♥ mystic of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. benison blessing
mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism bent determined; Ex. bent on advancing in the busi-
♠ bedizen dress with vulgar finery ness; N: natural talent or inclination
♥ finery beautiful clothes for a special occasion bequeath leave to someone by means of a will; hand
down in his will; N. bequest
♠ bedraggle wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled
♠ berate scold strongly
♠ beeline direct quick route
♠ bereavement state of being deprived of something
♠ befuddle confuse thoroughly valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft
♥ fuddle make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink;
N. in a fuddle: confused ♠ bereaved deprived of (someone beloved through death)
beget father; become the father of; produce; give rise to
♠ begrudge envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. ♠ bereft deprived of (something valuable); lacking
We shouldn’t begrudge him his success. ♠ berserk mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly ex-
♥ grudge deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V. cited
♠ beguile deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time beseech beg; plead with
pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile ♠ beset harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
♠ behemoth huge creature; something of monstrous size ♥ hem surround tightly so that movement is impossible;
or power Ex. hem in; N.
♠ beholden obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or besiege surround with armed forces; harass (with re-
indebted from gratitude quests); annoy continually
♠ behoove(behove) be suited to; be incumbent upon; be ♠ besmirch soil; defile; make dirty
right and necessary; Ex. It behooves one to do.
♠ bestial beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel
♠ belabor harp on; dwell on tediously; explain or go over
excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally; bestow confer
beat severely; attack physically ♠ betoken signify; indicate; be a sign of
♠ belated delayed ♥ token outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude
♠ beleaguer besiege or attack (with an army); harass; be- ♠ betray be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwill-
set ingly); Ex. Her trembling hands betray her anxiety.
♠ belie contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex. ♠ betroth become engaged to marry
The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile be-
lies her true feeling of displeasure. ♠ bevy large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets

belittle disparage; depreciate bicameral two-chambered as a legislative body

bellicose warlike bicker quarrel

belligerent quarrelsome biennial every two years

♠ bemoan lament; moan for; express sorrow or disap- ♠ bifurcated divided into two branches; forked
proval of ♠ bigotry stubborn intolerance
♠ bemused confused; lost in thought; preoccupied ♥ bigot one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or
benediction blessing pol- itics)

benefactor gift giver; patron; person who does good or ♥ intolerant not willing to accept ways of thinking differ-
who gives money for a good purpose ent from one’s own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate

beneficent kindly; doing good ♠ bilious suffering from indigestion; sick from having
too much bile; irritable; easily irritated
beneficial helpful; useful; advantageous
♠ bilk swindle; cheat
beneficiary person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an
♠ billowing swelling out in waves; surging
insurance policy or will
♥ billow large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of
♠ benefit advantage; anything that brings helpl, advan-
smoke); V: surge, swell, roll in billows
tage, or profit; money provided by the government to
the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. un- ♥ swell long wave of water that moves continuously
employment benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; without breaking; V.
give benefits
♥ surge powerful movement of or like a wave; V.
benevolent generous; charitable; having a wish to do
♠ bivouac temporary encampment; camp without tents;
good
V.

8
 bizarre fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; ♥ bombast grandiloquent, pompous speech
strikingly unconventional
♠ boon blessing; benefit; something very helpful
♠ blanch bleach; whiten; make white or pale
♠ boorish rude; insensitive
♠ bland soothing or mild (food); agreeable; causing no
trouble or offence ♥ boor rude, insensitive person

♠ blandishment flattery ♠ bouillon clear beef (or meat) soup

♠ blare loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of ♠ bountiful generous; graciously generous; showing
light bounty

♥ screech unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek; V. ♥ gracious kind in a generous way (to someone less im-
portant)
♥ dazzle make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze;
fill with wonder bourgeois middle class; selfishly materialistic; too inter-
ested in material possessions
♠ blase bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested
bovine cowlike; placid and dull; slow-thinking; calm
´
or bored
♠ bowdlerize expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler
♠ blasphemy irreverence; sacrilege; cursing; bad lan-
guage about God or holy things; V. blasphem; ADJ. blas- ♠ brackish somewhat saline
phemous; CF. sacrilege ♠ braggadocio boasting
♠ blatant extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offen- ♥ brag boast
sive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy
♠ braggart boaster; bragger
♠ bleak cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable;
depressing ♠ brandish wave around (a weapon); flourish

♠ blighted suffering from a disease; destroyed ♠ bravado swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show
of bravery
♥ blight plant disease; V: infect with blight; ruin; destroy
♥ swagger walk or behave with an over-confident manner
♠ blithe(blithesome) gay; joyous
♠ bloated (unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water ♠ brawn human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness
or air
♥ brawny muscular; having well-developed muscles
♠ blowhard talkative boaster; braggart
♥ sturdy strong and firm (in the body)
♠ bludgeon club; heavy-headed weapon; V.
♠ brazen insolent; without shame; bold; Ex. brazen lie; V:
♠ bluff pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: face with bold self-assurance or with unshamed confi-
rough but good-natured dence

7 ♥ brawl noisy quarrel

♠ breach breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap;
blunder error; stupid mistake opening; V.
♠ blurt utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement breadth width; extent
brevity conciseness; shortness of duration
♠ bluster blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully;
speak in a noisy or bullying manner; CF. breeze, gust, ♠ brindled tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of an-
gale imals)

♥ bully one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V. ♥ tawny brownish yellow

bode foreshadow; portend ♠ bristling rising like bristles; showing irritation

bogus counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex. ♥ bristle short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly
bogus interview ♠ brittle hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex.
♠ bohemian unconventional (in an artistic way) brittle situation

boisterous violent; rough; noisy ♠ broach introduce as a subject; moot; open up

♠ bolster support; reinforce ♠ brocade rich, figured(patterned) fabric

♠ bolt door bar; fastening pin or screw; length of fabric; brochure pamphlet
large roll of cloth; V: dash or dart off; fasten (a door); ♠ brooch ornamental clasp; pin
gobble down
♥ clasp hold firmly within arms
♥ dart move or throw suddenly and quickly
♠ brook tolerate; endure; Ex. brook no interference; N:
♥ gobble eat very quickly small stream
♠ bombardment attack (as with missiles or bombs); V. ♠ browbeat bully; intimidate
bombard
♠ browse graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at
♠ bombastic pompous; using inflated language casually
9
♥ graze (of an animal) feed on growing grass; cause (an ♠ cajole persuade by praise or false promise; coax; whee-
animal) to feed on grass; scrape (esp. the skin) or touch dle
lightly in passing; brush; Ex. We can’t graze the cattle
till summer; N: surface wound ♥ coax persuade by flattery

♥ skim read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in calamity disaster; misery
passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid calculated deliberately planned; likely
♠ brunt main impact or shock (of an attack or blow); Ex. ♠ caldron(cauldron) large kettle
brunt of the argument
♠ caliber ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a round
♠ brusque blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time cylinder; Ex. work of very high caliber
being nice
calligraphy beautiful writing; excellent penmanship
♠ buccaneer pirate
♠ callous hardened; unfeeling; without sympathy for the
♠ bucolic rustic; pastoral sufferings of others; unkind
♠ buffet strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out; N: table ♥ callus area of thick hard skin
with food set out for people to server themselves; meal ♠ callow youthful; immature; inexperienced
at which people help themselves to food that’s been set
♠ calorific heat-producing; N. calorie
♥ slap hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF.
smack calumny malicious misrepresentation; slander

♠ buffoonery clowning ♠ camaraderie good-fellowship; CF. comrade

♥ buffoon stupid person; clown ♠ cameo shell or jewel carved in relief; star ’s special ap-
pearance in a minor role in a film
♥ clown act stupidly; play the fool; N.
♠ canard unfounded false rumor; exaggerated false report
♠ bugaboo bugbear; object of baseless terror
♠ bullion gold and silver in the form of bars ♠ candor frankness; open honesty; ADJ. candid
♠ bulwark strong wall built for defense; earthwork or ♠ canine related to dogs; doglike
other strong defense; person who defends
♠ canker any ulcerous sore; ulcer; any evil; CF. cancer
♠ bungle mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by
♥ ulcer sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside
clumsy behavior
the body; Ex. stomach ulcer; ADJ. ulcerous; V. ulcerate
♥ botch mismanage; blow ♠ canny shrewd in money matters; thrifty
buoyant able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoy- ♠ cant insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of
ancy; Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market thieves; special words used by a particular group of
people
bureaucracy overregulated administrative system cantankerous ill-humored; irritable
marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic
♠ cantata story set to music to be sung by a chorus
♠ burgeon grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex. (shorter than an oratorio)
burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon
♠ canter slow gallop; V. CF. trot
♠ burlesque give an imitation that ridicules; imitate
mockingly
♠ burnish make shiny by rubbing; polish
8
♠ canto division of a long poem
♠ buttress support; prop up; N. stationary structure to
support wall; Ex. flying buttress ♠ canvass determine or seek opinions, votes, etc.; go
through (a region) to solicit votes or orders; conduct a
♥ prop support placed under or against something; V. survey; N.
♠ buxom full-bosomed; plump; jolly capacious spacious
♥ plump pleasantly fat; nicely rounded ♠ capacity mental or physical ability; role; position or
♠ cabal small group of persons secretly united to duty; ability to accommodate; Ex. in my capacity as
promote their own interests president
♠ capillary having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine
cache hiding place; V.
and slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hair-
cacophonous discordant; inharmonious; N. cacophony: like tube; CF. capillarity
unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
♠ capitulate surrender; give up all resistance
cadaver corpse; dead human body
caprice whim; sudden change of mind without any real
cadaverous like a corpse; pale cause
♠ cadence rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); capricious unpredictable; fickle
beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm caption title; chapter heading; text under illustration

1
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♠ captious faultfinding; too critical ♠ catechism book for religious instruction in question-
♠ carafe glass water bottle; decanter and-answer form; religious instruction by question and
answer; V. catechize
♠ carapace shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise,
crab, etc.) categorical without exceptions; made without any
doubt in mind; unqualified; absolute
♠ carat(karat) unit of weight for precious stones; measure
of the purity of gold ♥ qualify reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning
of something stated
♠ carcinogenic causing cancer; N. carcinogen
catharsis purging or cleansing of any passage of the
♠ cardinal chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal body; purging and weakening of strong emotions as a
num- ber: number that shows quantity rather thatn result of experiencing a dramatic work of art
order
cathartic purgative; medicine that causes the bowels to
cardiologist doctor specializing in ailments of the heart empty; ADJ.
♠ catholic (of likings and interests) universal; general;
♠ careen lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregu- broad; including many different parts; wide-ranging
lar swinging movement; stagger liberal; Ex. catholic opinions/tastes
♥ career rush wildly; go at full speed ♠ caucus private meeting of a group of people in a polit-
♥ sway swing from side to side; influence (someone) to ical party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the
change one’s opinion; N. Caucus club of Boston

caricature distortion; burlesque ♠ caulk(calk) make watertight (by blocking up cracks as

in a ship)
carillon a set of bells (often in a tower) capable of being
played causal implying a cause-and-effect relationship; N.
causality
carnage destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large
numbers of people or animals caustic burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical ac-
tion; sarcastically biting; (of remarks) intended to hurt;
carnal fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the bitter; harmful; OP. harmless
body
♠ cauterize burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot
carnivorous meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore iron or caustic substance to stop bleeding and prevent
♠ carousal drunken revel; V. carouse infection

♠ carping petty criticism; fault-finding; fretful complain- ♠ cavalcade procession of riders or horse-drawn car-
ing; quibble riages; parade; CF. cavalry

♠ carrion rotting flesh of a dead body; CF. vulture ♠ cavalier casual and offhand; arrogant; N: knight

♠ cartographer map-maker ♠ cavil quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault un-
necessarily
cascade small waterfall
♠ cede yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war);
♠ caste one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society; so- surrender formally; N. cession
cial stratification; prestige
celerity speed; rapidity
castigation punishment; severe criticism or disapproval
celestial heavenly
♥ hereafter life after death
casualty serious or fatal accident; person killed or
wounded in an accident or battle afterlife life after death; later part of one’s life
♥
♥ casual happening by chance; irregular; occasional; in-
formal; showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual ♠ celibate abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried;
reader/labor/remark N. celibacy
♠ cataclysm deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and censor (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking
sudden event or change the census); person who eliminates inappropriate mat-
ter; V.
♠ catalyst agent which brings about a chemical change
while it remains unaffected and unchanged; CF. catal- ♠ censorious severely critical
ysis censure blame; criticize; express strong disapproval; N:
catapult slingshot; hurling machine; V: fire from cata- severe criticism; strong disapproval
pult centaur mythical figure, half man and half horse
♥ hurl throw forcefully; shout out violently centigrade denoting a widely used temperature scale
♠ cataract great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a (basically same as Celsius)
gradual loss of eyesight) centrifugal radiating; departing from the center
catastrophe calamity ; disaster centrifuge machine that separates substances by
♠ catcall shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the whirling them
theater or a sports match); boo; V. centripetal tending toward the center
1
1
 centurion Roman army officer (commanding a com- ♠ cherubic angelic; innocent-looking; N. cherub; CF. ser-
pany of about 100 soldiers) aph: winged angel of the highest order
cerebral pertaining to the brain or intellect; intellectual ♠ chicanery trickery; deception
rather than emotional; CF. cerebrum
♠ chide scold; rebuke (someone who has done wrong)
cerebration thought; working of the brain
♠ chimerical fantastically improbable; highly unrealistic;
♠ ceremonious marked by formality; extremely formal N. chimera: unreal fancy; fire-breathing female creature
and polite; CF. ceremony: conventional social courtesy
♥ unceremonious not done politely without due formali- ♠ chisel swindle or cheat; N: wedgelike tool for cutting
ties
♥ chip lose a small piece from the surface or edge; N:
♠ certitude certainty small piece broken off something; CF. French fry; Potato
cessation stoppage chip/crisp
♠ cession yielding to another; ceding chivalrous courteous; faithful; brave; N. chivalry
♠ chafe warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing; N. ♠ choleric hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily
♠ chaff worthless products of an endeavor; husk(outer angered; CF. cholera
seed cover) separated from grain; Ex. separate the ♠ choreography art of representing dances in written
wheat from the chaff symbols; arrangement of dances
♠ chaffing bantering; joking ♥ chore daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking,
♠ chagrin annoyance and disappointment; vexation and shopping); unpleasant task
(caused by humiliation or injured pride) ♠ chortle chuckle with delight; N.
♠ chalice goblet; consecrated cup ♥ chuckle laugh quietly
chameleon lizard that changes color in different situa- chronic long established as a disease
tions
chronicle report; record (in chronological order)
9 ♠ churlish boorish; rude; N. churl: boor; yahoo
champion support militantly; fight for; N: person who ♠ ciliated having minute hairs; CF. cilium; CF. cilia: eye-
fights for or supports strongly (a principle, movement, lash
person, etc.) cipher nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret
♥ championship position of champion; defense or sup- code; V.
port; competition held to determine a champion circlet small ring; band of gold, silver, jewel, etc. (worn
chaotic in utter disorder on the head, arms, or neck as decoration)
charisma divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; circuitous roundabout
magnetism ♥ circuit closed circular line around an area; circumfer-
♠ charlatan quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in ence; regularly repeated journey from place to place
medicine) circumlocution indirect or roundabout expression (by
♠ chary cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or re- using an uncecessarily large number of words esp.
strained about giving; OP. bold when trying to avoid answering a difficult question di-
rectly)
♠ chase ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow
rapidly to catch circumscribe limit; confine; draw a line around
chasm abyss; very deep crack ♠ circumspect prudent; cautious; acting after careful
♠ chassis framework and working parts of an automobile; thought
framework to which components are attached circumvent outwit; defeat by behaving more cleverly;
chaste morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit outsmart; baffle; avoid; get around
sex- ual acts; modest; simple (of a style of writing); ♠ cistern reservoir or water tank
not highly decorated; austere
citadel fortress
♠ chasten discipline; punish in order to correct; CF.
cite quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official
casti- gate
record
♠ chastise punish as by beating; criticize severely
civil having to do with citizens; not military or reli-
chauvinist blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of gious; courteous and polite; Ex. married in a civil cere-
a group, cause, or sex; ADJ. chauvinistic; CF. chauvin- mony; Ex. civil strife/disorder/law; N. civility; CF. civic
ism; Nicolas Chauvin
check stop motion; curb or restrain clairvoyant having foresight; fortuneteller; N. clairvoy-
♠ checkered(chequered) marked by great changes in for- ance
tune; with many changes of fortuene; CF. checked: hav- ♥ hindsight understanding the nature of an event after it
ing a pattern of squares has actually happened

1
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♠ clamber climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble ♠ codicil supplement to the body of a will; later addition
clamor loud continous noise; continuous demand or to a will
complaint made by a large number of people; V: make codify arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify; N.
a clamor; express (a demand) continually and loudly; code: system of words used instead of ordinary writ-
ADJ. clamorous ing; collection of laws, rules, established social customs
clandestine secret
♥ chaperon older person who accompanies and super- coercion use of force to get someone to object; com-
vises a young unmarried woman pelling; V. coerce
♠ clangor loud resounding noise; sound of repeated ♠ coeval living at the same time as; existing during the
clanging same period of time; contemporary; of the same age
♠ clapper striker (tongue) of a bell ♠ cog tooth projecting from a wheel
♥ clap strike the palms of the hands together with a sud- cogent convincing
den explosive sound; come together suddenly with a cogitate think over; ponder
sharp sound; put or send promptly; Ex. clap the thief in
jail; N: clapping; loud or explosive sound; CF. applause cognate having a common origin; related linguistically;
allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate
♠ clarion shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used languages; N.
in former times
cognitive having to do with knowing or perceiving re-
claustrophobia fear of being locked in lated to the mental processes; N. cognition: the mental
♠ clavicle collarbone process of knowing
♥ scrimmage disorderly fight between two or more peo- cognizance knowledge; ADJ. cognizant; having knowl-
ple edge; aware
cleave split or sever; cling to; remain faithful to; N. ♠ cohabit live together
cleavage; ADJ. cloven cohere stick together
♠ cleft N: split cohesion tendency to keep together
♠ clemency disposition to be lenient in deciding punish-
♠ cohorts group of people who share some common qual-
ments; mildness as of the weather; ADJ. clement
ity; armed band; a group of between 300 and 600 sol-
cliche phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; plati- diers under one commander (in the ancient Rome)
´
tude; ADJ. cliche´ d Ex. coddled eggs
♥ bromide platitude; chemical compound used to calm
excitement
♠ clientele body of customers
climactic relating to the highest point; N. climax; CF. cli-
matic
♠ clime climate
♠ clique small exclusive group of people
cloister monastery or convent
♠ clout great influence (especially political or social); hard
blow with fist
cloying distasteful (because excessive); excessively
sweet or sentimental; V. cloy: become unpleasant
through too much sweetness or excess
♠ coagulate congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant
♥ clot half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood);
V.
♥ pudding hot sweet dish
coalesce combine; fuse; N. coalescence
coalition partnership; league; union of separate politi-
cal parties
♠ coda concluding section of a musical or literary compo-
sition
♠ coddle treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mol-
lycoddle; baby; cook in water just below boiling point;
1
3
♠ coiffure hairstyle
coin make coins; invent or fabricate (a word or phrase);
N. coinage: word or phrase recently invented
coincidence the chance occurrence, at the same time, of
two or more seemingly connected events; V. coincide:
happen at the same time; be in agreement; CF. coinci-
dent; CF. coincidental
♠ colander utensil with perforated bottom used for
strain- ing

10
collaborate work together; cooperate treasonably with
the enemy
♠ collage work of art put together from fragments
♥ scrap small bit or fragment; discarded waste material;
fight; Ex. a scrap of paper/cloth; V: break into parts for
disposal; discard as worthless; fight; quarrel
♥ scraps leftover food
♥ scrappy quarrelsome
collate examine and compare in order to verify authen-
ticity; arrange in order (the sheets of a book before they
are bound)
collateral security given for loan; ADJ: secondary; de-
scended from the same person but through different
sons or daughters
♠ collation a light meal; collating

1
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 colloquial pertaining to conversational or common compendium brief, comprehensive summary; ADJ.
speech; informal; N. colloquialism: colloquial expres- compendious
sion
compensatory making up for; repaying
colloquy informal discussion; conversation
compilation listing of information in tabular or book
collusion conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or form; compiling
deceive others; V. collude
compile assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report
colossal huge or a book) from facts and information found in various
colossus gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or places; Ex. compile a dictionary
importance complacency self-satisfaction; smugness; ADJ. compla-
♠ comatose in a coma; extremely sleepy cent
♥ coma deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by dis- ♥ smug self-satisfied; complacent
ease, poison, or a severe blow complaisant trying to please; obliging; willing to please
combustible easily burned; N. CF. combustion others
comely attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appear- complement complete; consummate; make perfect; N.
ance complementary serving to complete something
♥ homely not good-looking; unattractive compliance conformity in fulfilling requirements;
comestible something fit to be eaten readiness to yield; disposition to yield to others; V.
comply
♠ comeuppance deserts; well-deserved punishment or
misfortune; rebuke compliant readily acting in accordance with a rule, or-
der, or the wishes or others; yielding; comforming to
♥ deserts what someone deserves requirements
♠ comity courtesy; civility; Ex. comity of nations complicity participation; involvement (in a question-
commandeer take (private property) for military use able act or a crime)
without needing permission or giving payment; draft component element; ingredient
for military purposes
♠ comport bear one’s self; behave; Ex. comport oneself;
♥ draft first rough form; conscription; draught; V: make N. comportment
a draft of; conscript
♥ deport send out of the country; behave; N. deportation,
♥ draught current of air (through a room or to a fire); act deportment
of pulling roads; act of swallowing liquid or amount of
liquid swallowed at a time ♥ bearing deportment; connection
♠ commemorative remembering; honoring the memory composure mental calmness
of; Ex. commemorative stamp compound combine; produce by combining; increase;
♥ commemorate honor the memory of; serve as a memo- make worse by adding to or increasing; exacerbate; Ex.
rial to; Ex. commemorate the 100th anniversary/those compound an error; ADJ: consisting of two or more
who died in the war parts; N: combination of two or more parts; area en-
closed by a wall containing a group of buildings; Ex.
commensurate equal in extent; of the same size factory compound; CF. complex
commiserate feel or express pity or sympathy for comprehensive broad; including a lot or everything;
commodious spacious and comfortable thorough; inclusive
♠ communal held in common; public; of a group of peo- ♥ comprehend include; understand
ple; of a commune compress force into less space; squeeze; contract; put
♥ commune small (often rural) community whose mem- into fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part
bers share work and income; V: exchange thoughts or of the body to stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever,
feelings; Ex. commune with nature etc.
compact agreement; contract; ADJ: tightly packed; firm; comprise include; consist of
brief; concise; Ex. compact statement ♠ compromise adjust or settle by making mutual conces-
compatible harmonious; in harmony with; able to exist sions; endanger the interests or reputation of; put into
together danger, disrepute, or a dishonorable position; Ex. com-
promise one’s principle; N.
compelling overpowering; irresistible in effect; holding
one’s attention; that compels one to do something; Ex. a compunction remorse; strong uneasiness caused by
compelling adventure story; V. compel guilt
♥ compulsion compelling; strong desire that is difficult to compute reckon; calculate
control; irresistible impulse ♥ reckon count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose
♥ compulsory obligatory; that must be done concatenate link as in a chain
♥ compulsive resulting from compulsion concave hollow; curved inwards; OP. convex

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 concede admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluc- ♥ confidential spoken or written in secret; trusted with
tantly); yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal private matters; Ex. confidential secretary
conceit vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one’s confine shut in an enclosed space; restrict; keep within
own value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry) limits; N. confinement
♥ vain full of self-admiration; conceited; without result;
confiscate seize; take possession of (private property)
unsuccessful; N. vanity
by official order (usu. as a punishment); commandeer
concentric having a common center
conception beginning; forming of an idea; fertilization; conflagration great fire
V. conceive: form an idea in the mind; devise; become
pregnant; CF. inception confluence flowing together; the place where two rivers
flow together; crowd; gathering together
♠ concerted mutually agreed on; done together by agree-
ment; Ex. concerted effort; CF. in concert: working to- conformity harmony; agreement with established rules
gether or customs; similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with;
V. conform: be similar; act in agreement; comply; Ex.
concession an act of yielding; conceding; something conform to the rule; CF. conformance
conceded; point, right, etc. given unwillingly; privilege
of maintaining a business in a certain place; Ex. oil con- ♥ conformist person who uncritically conforms to the
cessions in the North sea; CF. concessionaire customs of a group; OP. nonconformist: one who does
not conform to accepted beliefs of norms
conciliatory reconciling; soothing; V. conciliate: recon-
cile; soothe; win the friendly feelings (by removing ♠ confound confuse; puzzle
anger) congeal freeze; coagulate
concise brief and compact
congenial pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one’s
♠ conclave private secret meeting tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather
conclusive decisive; ending all debate congenital existing at birth
concoct prepare by mixing or combining; make up in
concert; devise (something false) so as to deceive; Ex.
concoct an elaborate excuse for being late; N. concoction
11
conglomeration mass of material sticking together
concomitant that which accompanies; Ex. Deafnes is a ♥ conglomerate corporation made up of several different
frequent concommitant of old age; ADJ: existing or hap- companies in diversified fields; mass of various material
pening together with something else gathered together; rock consisting of small stones held
together by clay; V.
concord harmony; accord
congruence correspondence of parts; harmonious rela-
♥ concordat formal agreement
tionship; CF. congruity
concur agree; coincide; happen at the same time
congruent in agreement; harmonious; corresponding;
concurrent happening at the same time; in agreement coinciding exactly; CF. congruous
condescend (derog.) bestow courtesies with a superior ♠ conifer pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree;
air; descend to the level of one considered inferior ADJ. coniferous; CF. deciduous; CF. evergreen
condign adequate; (of punishment) severe and well de-
conjecture surmise; guess; V.
served
conjugal pertaining to marriage
condiments seasonings; spices
condole express condolences; N. condolence: sympathy conjure cause to appear by magic; summon (a devil or
for someone who has experienced great sorrow a spirit) by magical power; practice magic (esp. by very
quick movement of the hands); evoke; conjure up: bring
condone overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse into the mind; Ex. The magician conjured a rabbit out of
conducive helpful; contributive; V. conduce; Ex. con- his hat.
duce to/towards connivance pretense of ignorance of something wrong;
conduit aqueduct; passageway for fluids assistance; permission to offend; V. connive: feign igno-
♠ confidant(confidante) trusted friend (to whom one tells rance (of a wrong); cooperate secretly in an illegal ac-
one’s secret) tion; conspire

♥ confide tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be connoisseur person competent to act as a judge of art,
confident about etc. (whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art

♥ confidence self-assurance; calm unworried feeling connotation suggested or implied meaning of an ex-
based on a strong belief in one’s abilities; strong belief pression; V. connote
in the ability of a person or plan; trust or faith in a per- connubial pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial
son or thing; something confided; secret; Ex. confidence state
in your ability; Ex. I’m telling you this in confidence;
Ex. exchange confidences about their boyfriends; ADJ. ♥ matrimony state of being married
confident ♥ patrimony property inherited from a father

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 consanguinity kinship; relationship by birth ♥ drastic strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic
♥ consanguineous(consanguine) having a common an- changes/measures
cestor contaminate pollute
conscientious scrupulous; through and careful; Ex. contempt scorn; disdain; ADJ. contemptuous; CF. con-
conscientious worker temptible
conscript draftee; person forced into military service; V. contend struggle; compete; assert earnestly; state
strongly
consecrate dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. con- contention assertion; claim; thesis; struggling; competi-
secrate one’s life to helping the poor tion
consensus general agreement; opinion reached by a ♥ thesis opinion put forward and supported by reasoned
group arguments
consequential self-important; significant; consequent; ♥ boost lift by pushing up from below; increase; raise; N:
following as a result; Ex. consequential air; CF. subse- push upward; increase
quent contentious quarrelsome; controversial; likely to cause
conservatory(conservatoire) school of the fine arts (es- arguments
pecially music or drama); glass-enclosed area; CF. con- contest dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete
servancy for; try to win; Ex. contest the election results; Ex. con-
consign send to a person or place for sale; deliver of- test a seat in Parliament; N.
ficially; entrust; put into the care of another; set apart context writings preceding and following the passage
(for a special purpose); N. consignment; CF. consignor, quoted; circumstance in which an event occurs
consignee contiguous adjacent to; touching upon
consistency absence of contradictions; uniformity; de- ♠ continence self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual absti-
gree of thickness or firmness; Ex. consistency of thick nence; voluntary control over bladder and bowel func-
cream; CF. viscous tions; ADJ. continent
console lessen sadness or disappointment; give com- ♠ contingent dependent on something uncertain or in the
fort; allay the sorrow of; N. consolation future; conditional; happening by chance; accidental; N:
consolidation unification; process of becoming firmer a group of soldiers, ships to a larger force; CF. contin-
or stronger; V. consolidate: merge; strengthen gency: future event that may or may not occur; possibil-
ity; Ex. prepare for every contingency
consonance harmony; agreement
contortions twistings; distortions; V. contort: twist vio-
♥ consonant harmonious; in agreement; N. lently out of shape; CF. contortionist
consort associate with; keep company; N: husband or ♠ contraband illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods;
wife (or a ruler) ADJ.
conspiracy treacherous plot; secret plan against the law ♠ contravene contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or
(by two or more people) custom); N. contravention
♥ conspire take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work to- contrite penitent; repentant; N. contrition
gether; combine; Ex. Events conspired to produce great ♠ contrived unnatural and forced; artificial; not sponta-
difficulties. neous; Ex. The ending was rather contrived.
♥ consternation great shock; dismay ♥ contrive invent or fabricate in a clever way (by impro-
constituent supporter; voter; member of a constituency; visation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention
component
♥ constituency voters represented by an elected official; ♥ contrivance something contrived; machine or appara-
district so represented; group of supporters (or con- tus; clever deceitful plan; scheme
stituents) controvert oppose with arguments; attempt to refute;
♥ constitution constituting; system of laws; composition contradict; ADJ. controversial; N. controversy
of something; physical makeup or structure of a person; contumacious stubborn and disobedient; resisting au-
Ex. men with strong constitutions thority (esp. disobedient to an order made by a court)
constraint restraint; compulsion; repression of feelings;
reticence; V. constrain: hold back; restrain; compel; contusion bruise
oblige; confine forcibly; imprison ♥ bruise injure without breaking the skin; N.
construe explain; interpret; Ex. construe her silence as ♠ conundrum riddle; difficult problem
meaning that she agreed; CF. misconstrue
convene come together; assemble; call to meet; Ex. con-
consummate complete; V. vene the council
contagion infection (by contact); ADJ. contagious; CF. convention social or moral custom; established prac-
infectious: that can be passed by infection in the air tice; formal meeting; international agreement

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 conventional ordinary; typical; not nuclear; Ex. con- ♠ corrugated wrinkled; ridged
ventional weapons
♥ wrinkle small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth);
converge approach; tend to meet; come together V.
conversant familiar with; having knowledge of ♥ crinkle wrinkle
converse opposite; ADJ. cosmic pertaining to the universe; vast
convert one who has adopted a different religion or ♠ coterie group that meets socially; select circle; close
opinion; V: change into another form; (persuade to) group of people with shared interests
adopt a particular religion or belief
countenance approve; support; tolerate; Ex. counte-
convex curving outward nance his rude behavior; N: face; appearance
conveyance vehicle; transfer; act of conveying; Ex. pub- ♠ countermand cancel; revoke (an order)
lic conveyance
conviction judgment that someone is guilty of a crime;
strongly held belief
12
counterpart thing that completes another; things very
convivial pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; charac- much alike; thing that has the same purpose in a differ-
terized by joviality; jovial ent system
convoke call together; Ex. convoke Parliament; N. con- ♠ coup highly successful action or sudden attack; coup(s)
vocation d’e´ tat; CF. coup de graˆ ce: deathblow or shot which
convoluted coiled around; twisted; involved; compli- kills
cated; intricate; complex; N. convolution: twist; one of
the convex folds of the surface of the brain couple join; unite; OP. uncouple
♥ convulsion violent uncontrollable shaking movement ♠ courier messenger
(caused by illness); V. convulse; ADJ. convulsive
♠ covenant binding agreement between two groups or
♠ copious plentiful people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise
♠ coquette flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to ♥ bargain agreement between two groups or people;
attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings; something for sale at a price advantageous to the buyer;
V. V: negotiate; trade; Ex. bargaining power
♥ flirt behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; covert secret; hidden; implied; OP. overt
deal triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting;
ADJ. flirtatious ♠ covetous avaricious; desirous of (someone else’s pos-
sessions); V. covet: desire eagerly (someone else’s pos-
cordial warmly friendly; gracious; heartfelt; Ex. cordial sessions)
welcome
♠ cow terrorize; intimidate
♠ cordon extended line of men or fortifications to prevent
access or egress; (Q:"f ×¼|½Ó x9 ♠ cower shrink quivering as from fear; cringe
¼–Ð u  H) ©œd” o ♠ coy shy (flirtatiously); showing a (pretended) lack of
‘:r; V. self-confidence; modest; coquettish; CF. job offer\
♠ cornice projecting molding on building (usually above ¦ ~ÃÎ
columns or pillars); ƒ ©œd” €Œ¤` ¦ M:
♠ cornucopia horn (or horn-shaped container) overflow- ♠ cozen cheat; hoodwink; swindle
ing with fruit and grain; symbol of abundance; horn of ♠ crabbed sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read
plenty as handwriting
corollary natural consequence (which naturally follows ♥ peevish bad-tempered; irritable; V. peeve: make angry
from something else)
♠ crass very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and
♠ corporeal bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior
form; material; tangible
craven cowardly
corpulent very fat; N. corpulence
credence belief
♥ corpus collection (of writings or information); Ex. the
corpus of Shakespear ’s works; Cf. corpse ♠ credo creed

♥ corpuscle red or white cell in the blood credulity belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naivete´
; ADJ. credulous
correlation mutual relationship
creed system of religious or ethical belief
♥ correlate either of the correlated things; V.
crescendo increase in the volume or intensity as in a
corroborate confirm; support; strengthen musical passage; climax; CF. crescent
corrode destroy or wear away gradually by chemical ac- ♥ far-fetched too improbable to be believed; implausible;
tion (over a long period) Ex. far-fetched story
corrosive eating away by chemicals or disease; (of lan- ♥ overture musical introduction to a long musical piece;
guage) fierce first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of
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reaching an agreement); Ex. overtures for peace

1
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♠ crestfallen dejected; dispirited ♠ dank damp; unpleasantly wet
♥ crest top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the ♠ dapper neat and trim (in appearance); (of small men)
head of a bird neat in appearance and quick in movements; neat; spry
♠ crevice crack; fissure ♠ dappled spotted
cringe shrink back as if in fear; cower ♠ daub smear (as with paint); cover with something
criteria standards used in judging; CF. criterion sticky; Ex. daub one’s clothes with mud/paint; N: small
bit of sticky substance; Ex. a daub of paint
♠ crone hag; ugly old woman
♥ smear spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark
♠ crotchety (of someone old) eccentric; odd; whimsical;
made by smearing
bad-tempered; N. crotchet: odd or whimsical notion
♥ smudge dirty mark with unclear edges made by rub-
♠ crux essential or main point; Ex. the crux of the prob-
bing; V.
lem; ADJ. crucial: of deciding importance
daunt intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten
crypt secret recess or vault usually used for burial; un-
derground room (under a church) dauntless bold; fearless
cryptic mysterious; hidden; secret dawdle loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing
♠ cubicle small chamber used for sleeping or work deadlock standstill resulting from the opposition of two
unrelenting forces; stalemate
♥ compartment one of the parts into which an enclosed
space is divided ♥ standstill condition of no movement or activity; stop
♠ cuisine style of cooking; Ex. French cuisine ♠ deadpan wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling;
with an expressionless face
♠ culinary relating to cooking or kitchen
♠ cull pick out from others (to kill the weakest members); dearth scarcity
reject; select; collect (information); N. de´ baˆ cle sudden disastrous downfall or defeat;
culmination highest point; climax; V. culminate in: com- plete disaster
reach the highest point in; end in; Ex. a series of minor debase degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate;
clashes culminating in war lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement
culpable deserving blame; blameworthy ♥ kneel go down on one’s knee(s)
♥ culprit one guilty of a crime ♠ debauch corrupt morally; seduce from virtue; N. de-
♠ culvert artificial channel for water; drain crossing bauchery: wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)
under a road ♥ seduce lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. se-
cumbersome heavy and awkward to carry or wear; bur- ductive
densome; Ex. cumbersome parcel/uniform debilitate weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness);
cumulative growing by addition; accumulative enfeeble

cupidity greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid ♥ bout match; short period of great activity; Ex. wrestling
bout; bout of drinking/flu
curator superintendent; manager (in charge of a mu-
seum or a library) ♠ debonair (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably
dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition
♠ curmudgeon churlish, miserly individual; bad-
tempered old person de´ bris rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of
some- thing broken or destroyed
♠ cursive (of writing) flowing; running; having the suc-
cessive letters joined ♠ debunk expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.;
ridicule
cursory casual; hastily done with little attention to de-
tail ♠ debutante young woman making formal entrance into
society
curtail shorten; reduce
♥ debut de´ but; first public appearance; formal
cynical skeptical or distrustful of human motives; N. presenta- tion of a young woman to society
cynicism; CF. cynic: person who believes all people are
motivated by selfishness decadence decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civi-
lization, or art); ADJ. decadent
♠ cynosure object of general attention; person or thing
that is a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor decant pour off gently (wine or liquid)
♠ dabble work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around; decapitate behead
move noisily in a liquid decelerate slow down
♠ dais raised platform for speakers or other important
people 13
♠ dally trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary ♠ deciduous falling off at a specific season or stage of
seriousness; procrastinate; waste time growth as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth

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 decimate kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth ♠ defrock strip a priest or minister of church authority;
man); destroy or kill a large part of unfrock
decipher decode; CF. indecipherable ♥ frock long loose garment (worn by monks)
♠ declivity downward slope deft neat; skillful
♠ de´ (of a dress) having a low-cut neckline; CF. defunct dead; no longer in use or existence
collete´
de´ colletage: low neckline (on a dress) degenerate become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ:
♥ decree authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of having become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: de-
law; V: order or judge by decree praved or corrupt person
♠ decomposition decay; V. decompose: decay; break and degradation humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V.
separate into simple parts degrade: debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (some-
thing) in worth; demote (someone); reduce in rank
decorum propriety; orderliness and good taste in man-
ners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct ♥ dishonor disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable

♥ decorous proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance) ♠ dehydrate remove water from; dry out

decoy lure or bait; V. deify turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings
were deified; CF. deity
decrepitude state of collapse or weakness caused by ill-
ness or old age ♠ deign condescend; stoop

♥ decrepit weak and in bad condition from old age or ♥ stoop bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself;
hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something;
condescend; Ex. stoop to lying
♠ decry express strong disapproval of; condemn openly
delete erase; strike out
(something dangerous to the public); disparage; Ex. de-
cry the violence of modern films ♠ deleterious harmful
deducible derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; de- deliberate consider; ponder; ADJ: done on purpose;
rive by reasoning slow
deface mar; disfigure delineate portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delin-
eation
♥ mar spoil the appearance of
delirium mental disorder marked by confusion; uncon-
defame harm someone’s reputation; malign; speak evil
trolled excitement; ADJ. delirious
of; slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory
delta flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a
default failure to act; failure to perform a task or be river
present; V.
delude deceive
♠ defeatist resigned to defeat or failure; accepting defeat
or failure as a natural outcome; N. CF. defeatism deluge flood; rush; V.
defection desertion delusion false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delu-
sions of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that
♥ defect shortcoming; V: desert (in order to join the
oppo- site one) delusive deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; rais-
ing vain hopes; Ex. delusive promises
defer give in respectfully; submit; delay till later; ex-
empt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, com- ♠ delve dig; search deeply; investigate
ply with, courteous demagogue person who appeals to people’s prejudice;
deference courteous regard for another ’s wish; courte- false leader of people; CF. demagoguery
ous yielding to another ’s wish or opinion (showing re- demean disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave
spect); ADJ. deferential; OP. effrontery
demeanor behavior; bearing
defiance refusal to yield; resistance; V. defy; ADJ. defi-
demented insane
ant
demise death
defile pollute; make filthy or dirty; corrupt morally;
profane; desecrate; N: narrow passage or gorge through ♠ demographic related to population balance; N. demog-
mountains raphy: statistical study of human population
definitive most reliable; authorative and complete; that demolition destruction; V. demolish
cannot be improved; conclusive; decisive; definite; Ex. ♠ demoniac(demoniacal) fiendish; cruel; N. demon: evil
definitive decision by the supreme court supernatural being; devil
deflect turn aside; turn away from a straight course ♥ fiend evil spirit; devil
♠ defoliate destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the ♠ demotic of or pertaining to the people
use of chemicals); N. defoliant
♠ demur object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an ob-
♠ defray provide for the payment of; undertake the pay- jection (showing qualms); hesitate; Ex. demur at the
ment of; pay idea of working on Sunday
2
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♠ demure (of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; dermatologist one who studies the skin and its diseases
coy; pretending to be demure
denigrate blacken; defame ♥ acne skin disease (on the face)
denizen (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resi-
dent of a particular place; regular visitor 14
denotation meaning; distinguishing by name; V. de- derogatory expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V.
note: indicate; refer to directly; mean; CF. connotation derogate: detract; disparage
♠ descry catch sight of (something distant)
♠ de´ nouement final outcome; final development of
desecrate profane; violate the sanctity of
the plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a
story when everything is explained ♥ violate break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually;
Ex. violate graves
denounce condemn; criticize; N. denunciation
desiccate dry up
depict portray
desolate (of a place) deserted; unpopulated; (of a per-
♥ expose public revelation of something discreditable son) lonely; forlorn; joyless
´
deplete reduce; exhaust
desolate make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert
deplore regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval ♠ desperado reckless, desperate outlaw
for something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behav-
ior; ADJ. deplorable: very bad; deserving severe disap- ♥ desperate having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and
proval; Ex. deplorable living condition violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken
as a last resort
deploy spread out (troops) in an extended though shal-
low battle line; distribute (persons or forces) systemati- despise look on with scorn; regard as worthless or dis-
cally or strategically tasteful; ADJ. despicable: contemptible
♥ battalion army unit made up of four or more companies despoil plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village
despondent without hope and courage; depressed;
depose dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; gloomy; N. despondency: loss of hope with gloom; de-
testify jection

deposition testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning despot tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism

depravity extreme corruption; wickedness; V. deprave destitute extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence;
utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience
deprecate express disapproval of; deplore; protest
against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory ♥ impoverish make poor; deprive of natural strength or
something important; Ex. impoverished soil
depreciate lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little
desultory aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
value
♠ detached emotionally removed; free from emotional in-
depredation plundering; destruction
volvement; calm and objective; physically separate; N.
deranged insane detachment; CF. attachment
♥ institute organization for a special purpose; V: establish ♥ detain keep waiting; prevent from leaving or going; N.
detention
♥ institution instituting; (building for the) organization; ♠ determinate having a fixed order of procedure; pre-
established custom, practice, or relationship in a cisely defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final
society; mental hospital; Ex. institution of marriage ♠ determination resolve; firmness of purpose; measure-
♥ institutionalize make into an institution; put or confine ment or calculation; decision
in an institution deterrent something that discourages or deters
derelict negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of detonation explosion
something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: aban-
doned property; homeless or vagrant person detraction slandering; aspersion; detracting; CF. detrac-
tor
♥ dereliction neglect of duty; abandonment
detrimental harmful; damaging; N. detriment
deride ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP.
respect deviate turn away from (a principle, norm); move away
from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N.
derision ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism
derivative unoriginal; obtained from another source; ♠ devious roundabout; erratic; deviating from the
Ex. derivative prose style; N. straight course; not straightforward; not completely
♥ derivation deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. honest; Ex. devious route
the derivation of the word devise think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest
2
2
 devoid empty; lacking diminution lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish
♠ devolve deputize; pass or be passed to others din continued loud noise; V: make a din; instill by
(power, work, or property); Ex. devolve on/upon/to wearying repetition
♥ deputize work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: per- ♥ weary tired after long work; V.
son who has the power to take charge when the leading
person is away ♠ dinghy small boat (often ship’s boat)

devotee enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee ♥ maroon leave helpless on a deserted island or coast;
of Bach ADJ. red brown
devout pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my ♠ dingy (of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy
devout hope street/curtain
♥ religious of religion; (of a person) pious; having rever- ♥ dull (of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast;
ence for a deity boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; slug-
gish; slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V.
dexterous skillful; skill in using hands or mind; N. dex-
terity ♠ dint means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work
diabolical diabolic; devilish; fiendish ♠ diorama life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature
or history; three-dimensional scene with modeled fig-
♠ diadem crown ures against a painted background
dialectical relating to the art of debate; mutual or recip- ♠ dire warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dan-
rocal; Ex. dialectical situation; N. dialectic: art of arriv- gers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of
ing at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments food
diaphanous sheer; transparent ♠ dirge funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung
♠ diatribe bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; over a dead person)
abuse disabuse correct a false impression; undeceive; free
dichotomy division into two opposite parts; split; from a wrong belief
branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones) ♠ disaffected disloyal; lacking loyality; V. disaffect: cause
to lose affection or loyalty
♠ dictum authoritative and weighty statement (made by disapprobation disapproval; condemnation
a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum:
inci- dental, nonbinding remark (something said in ♠ disarray state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state;
passing) Ex. with her clothes in disarray
♠ disavowal denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning;
♠ didactic (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral V. disavow; CF. disclaim
lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism ♠ disband dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and
♠ die metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.
for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice ♠ disburse pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF.
diffidence shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; purse
ADJ. diffident discernible distinguishable; perceivable; Ex. dis-
♠ diffuse wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a cernible improvement
gas); V: spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffu- discerning mentally quick and observant; having in-
sion; CF. suffuse sight; perceptive; able to make good judgments; V. dis-
digression wandering away from the subject; V. digress cern: perceive
♠ disclaim disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. dis-
dilapidated falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined claimer
because of neglect; Ex. dilapidated old car/castle; N. disclose reveal; N. disclosure
dilapidation
♠ discombobulated discomposed; confused
dilate expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length
on (a subject) ♥ discompose disturb the composure of; confuse
dilatory delaying; tending to delay discomfit frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; em-
barrass; perturb
dilemma situation that requires a choice between
equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two un- ♠ disconcert confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb
satisfactory alternatives disconsolate hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
♠ dilettante aimless follower of an art or a field of knowl- discord conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when
edge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. de- musical notes are played)
light
discordant not harmonious; conflicting
diligence steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
♠ discount disregard; regard (a story or news) as unim-
dilute make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in portant; deduct from a cost
strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president
2
3
 discourse serious speech, writing, or conversation; for- dismember cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb
mal discussion (either written or spoken); conversation; from limb
V.
♠ dismiss eliminate from consideration; no longer con-
discredit defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; dis- sider; put out of court without further hearing; reject;
believe; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shame- discharge from employment; direct to leave; ADJ. dis-
ful missive; N. dismissal
discrepancy lack of consistency or agreement as be- disparage belittle
tween facts; difference; Ex. discrepancy between two
descriptions maneuver(manoeuver) strategic military or naval
movement (done for training purposes); carefully
discrete separate; unconnected planned process; stratagem; V: carry out a military
discretion prudence; ability to adjust actions to circum- maneuver; use maneuvers in gaining an end
stances; freedom of action or judgment; ADJ. discreet; disparate basically different; impossible to compare;
CF. discretionary unrelated
discriminating able to see differences; discerning; prej- disparity difference; condition of inequality; OP. parity
udiced; N. discrimination
dispassionate calm; impartial; not influenced by per-
♥ discriminate distinguish; make distinctions on the basis sonal feelings
of preference
dispatch speediness; prompt execution; message sent
♥ brisk quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor with all due speed; V: send to a specified destination;
finish promptly; kill
♠ discursive (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling
(without any clear plan) dispel scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
disdain treat with scorn or contempt ♥ dispense distribute; prepare and give out (medicines);
N. dispensation: dispensing; religious system; official
♠ disembark debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload
exemption from an obligation or a rule
cargo from a ship; CF. embark
disperse scatter; Ex. disperse the cloud/crowd
disenfranchise disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP.
enfranchise ♠ dispirited lacking in spirit
♠ disengage uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fight- ♠ disport amuse; Ex. disport oneself; CF. divert
ing; OP. engage disputatious argumentative; fond of argument
disfigure mar the appearance of; spoil disquietude uneasiness; anxiety; V. disquiet: make anx-
♠ disgorge surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; ious
OP. gorge ♠ disquisition formal systematic inquiry; explanation of
♠ disgruntle make discontented the results of a formal inquiry; long formal speech or
written report

15 dissection analysis; cutting apart in order to examine

dishearten discourage ♠ dissemble disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend
disseminate distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)
♠ disheveled untidy (of hair or clothing); V. dishevel
dissent disagree
disinclination unwillingness
dissertation formal essay; treatise
♠ disingenuous not naive; not candid; sophisticated;
worldly wise; OP. ingenuous dissident dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a
government); rebellious; N.
♠ disinter dig up; unearth; OP. inter
♠ dissimulate pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble
disinterested unprejudiced; free from bias and self-
interest; objective dissipate squander; waste foolishly; scatter
disjointed disconnected; lacking coherence; V. disjoint: ♠ dissolution disintegration; reduction to a liquid form;
disconnect; disjoin looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery;
ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an
disjunction act or state of separation; disunity; CF. dis- immoral life
junctive: expressing a choice between two ideas; CF.
conjunction; CF. conjunctive ♥ reduce diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult
condition; demote; lower in rank; separate into compo-
♠ dislodge remove (forcibly); force out of a position; Ex. nents by analysis; Ex. reduced to the ranks; Ex. reduce
dislodge the food caught in his throat; CF. lodge the house to rubble; N. reduction
♠ dismantle take apart; disassemble dissuade persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion
♥ mantle loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; some-
thing that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth be- ♥ dissonance discord
tween the crust and the core
♠ distant reserved or aloof; cold in manner; Ex. distant
♥ crust hard outer covering (as of earth or snow) greeting; ADV. distantly

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 distend expand; swell out ♥ merit deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or
distill refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent praise
condensation); concentrate; separate the most impor- ♠ doff take off; OP. don
tant parts from; Ex. distill fresh water from sea water;
CF. brew ♠ dogged determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering;
tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert’s dogged pursuit of Jean
♠ distinction honor; excellence; difference; contrast; dis- Valjean
crimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer
of real distinction ♥ persevere continue steadily in spite of difficulties
♥ distinct clearly different; clearly noticed ♠ doggerel poor verse
♥ distinctive clearly different from others of the same dogmatic opinionated; holding stubbornly to one’s
kind opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal
distort twist out of shape; give a false account of; mis- ♠ doldrums blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy);
represent; N. distortion slack(inactive) period; period of stagnation; ocean area
near the equator where ships cannot move because there
♠ distrait absentminded; distracted
is no wind; Ex. in the doldrums
♠ distraught upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious
♥ blues state of depression or melancholy; style of slow,
and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. dis-
mournful music (evolved from southern Black Ameri-
traught with grief/worry
can songs)
♥ distract take (one’s attention) off something; upset emo-
dolorous sorrowful; N. dolor
tionally; make anxious; ADJ. distracted
♠ dolt slow-thinking stupid person; CF. dull
diurnal daily; occurring during the daytime
♠ domicile home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one’s domi-
diva operatic singer; prima donna
cile; Ex. He is domiciled in Britain.
diverge vary; go in different directions from the same
♠ domineer rule over tyrannically
point; ADJ. divergent: differing; deviating
♥ dominate control; rule; enjoy a commanding position
diverse differing in some characteristics (from each
in; overlook from a height; 9 И
other); various; N. diversity: variety; dissimilitude; lack
of resemblance ♥ dominant exercising the most influence; high and eas-
ily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not
diversion act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn recessive
aside from a course; distract; amuse
♠ don put on; OP. doff
divest strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispos-
sess; N. divestiture(divestment) ♥ outfit clothing or equipment for a special purpose; Ex.
cowboy outfit
divine perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee
the future; foretell; dowse; ADJ. N. divination dormant sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; la-
tent
♥ dowse use a divining rod to search for underground
water or minerals ♠ dormer window projecting upright from roof; CF.
sleep- ing room
divulge reveal
dorsal relating to the back of an animal; Ex. dorsal fin
docile obedient; easily managed; submissive
♥ ferocious fierce; violent; N. ferocity ♠ dossier file of documents on a subject or person; file; CF.
bundle of papers labeled on the back
♠ docket program as for trial; book where such entries are
made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a ♠ dotage senility; feeblemindedness of old age; Ex. In
package listing contents or directions; V: describe in a one’s dotage
docket ♠ dote be excessively fond of; show signs of mental de-
♠ doctrinaire unable to compromise about points of doc- cline
trine; dogmatic; unyielding; marked by inflexible at- ♠ dour sullen; gloomy; stubborn
tachment to a doctrine without regard to its practical
difficulties ♥ sullen silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark;
gloomy
doctrine teachings in general; particular principle (reli-
gious, legal, etc.) taught; dogma; tenet; ADJ. doctrinal ♥ brood sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry
anxiously; N: the young of certain animals; group of
young birds hatched at one time
♥ indoctrinate cause to accept a doctrine without ques-
tioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti- ♠ douse plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse;
communism drench; wet throughly; extinguish; throw water over;
dowse
♠ document provide written evidence (for a claim);
record with documents; N. ♠ dowdy untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly;
dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive
♠ doddering shaky; infirm from old age; V. dodder woman

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♠ downcast disheartened; dejected; sad; directed down- ♥ dyslexia word blindness; learning disorder marked by
ward impairment of the ability to read
♠ drab dull; lacking color; cheerless ; Ex. drab coat/life ♥ dysentery inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal
♠ draconian extremely severe; Ex. draconian punish- tract
ment; CF. Draco: Athenian politician ♠ earthy unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks;
♠ dregs sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue OP. ethereal

♠ drivel nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense ♥ earthly of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine;
possible; Ex. no earthly reason
♥ nonsense speech or writing with no meaning; foolish
behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil; ebb (of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow:
cause to fail rise of tide

♥ dribble flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly ebullient showing excitement; overflowing with enthu-
from the mouth; move a ball; N. siasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boil-
ing
♥ drip fall or let fall in drops; shed drops; N: action or
sound of falling in drops; liquid that falls in drops eccentric irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical;
bizarre; not concentric
♥ trickle flow in drops or in a thin stream; N.
eccentricity oddity; idiosyncrasy
♠ droll queer and amusing
ecclesiastic ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church; N:
♥ queer strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal minister; priest; cleric; clergyman
♠ drone idle person who lives on other people’s work; ♥ chapel small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)
male bee
♥ chaplain clergyman attached to a chapel
♠ drone talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee; N.
♥ padre chaplain (in the armed forces)
♥ murmur low, indistinct, continuous sound; V. CF.
mum- ble eclectic selective; composed of elements drawn from
disparate sources; selecting individual elements from a
♠ dross waste matter; worthless impurities variety of sources; N. eclecticism
drudgery hard unpleasant work; menial work ♥ selective careful in choosing; having an effect only on
♥ drudge do drudgery; N: person who drudges certain things; not general; Ex. eclectic weed killer
♠ dubious questionable; (of something) causing doubt; eclipse darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an
(of someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety eclipse
♠ ductile malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into ♥ ecliptic path of the sun and the planets
shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or con- ecologist person concerned with the interrelationship
trolled between living organisms and their environment; per-
♠ dulcet sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious son concerned with the detrimental effects of human
civilization on the environment; CF. ecology
♠ dumbfound(dumfound) astonish (making dumb);
ADJ. dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck ♥ ecosystem ecological community together with its envi-
ronment
♠ dupe someone easily fooled or deceived; V: deceive
economy efficiency or conciseness in using something;
♠ duplicity double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest thrifty management of resources
and deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous
ecstasy rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happi-

16 ness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing

or experiencing ecstasy
duration length of time something lasts ♥ rapture great joy and delight; ecstasy; ADJ. rapturous
♠ duress forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coer- ♠ eddy swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.
cion by threat; illegal coercion; Ex. a promise made un-
der duress edict decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); offi-
cial command
♠ dutiful(duteous) (of people or their behavior) respect-
ful; obedient (filled with a sense of duty) ♥ sovereign ruler in a monarchy; ADJ: (of a country) in-
dependent and self-governing; having supreme power;
♠ dwindle shrink; reduce gradually supreme; excellent
dynamic energetic; vigorously active ♥ sovereignty complete independence and self-
♥ dynamo generator for producing electricity; energetic government (of a country); supremacy of authority;
person power to govern

♠ dyspeptic suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: in- ♠ edify instruct; correct morally
digestion; difficulty in digesting food ♥ edifice building (of imposing size)
♥ dys- abnormal; impaired eerie weird; causing fear because strange

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 efface rub out; remove the surface of elicit draw out fact or information (by discussion or
effectual able to produce a desired effect; valid from someone)
♥ effective effectual; producing a strong response; ♠ elixir cure-all; panacea; something invigorating
striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective ellipsis omission of words from a text; mark used to in-
speech/photograph dicate an omission (when the meaning can be under-
♥ effectuate effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a rec- stood without them); PL. ellipses
onciliation elliptical elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellip-
effeminate having womanly traits sis; ambiguous either purposely or because key words
have been left out
♥ emasculate weaken; castrate
eloquence expressiveness; persuasive speech; ADJ. elo-
♥ castrate remove the sex organs (of a male animal or per-
quent: movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so
son)
that the hearers can be influeneced
♠ effervescence inner excitement or exuberance; showing
elucidate explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lu-
high spirits; emitting bubbles forming inside; bubbling
cid
from fermentation or carbonation; ADJ. effervescent; V.
effervesce elusive evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch,
effete having lost one’s original power; barren; worn or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the under-
out; exhausted standing or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name
eludes me.
efficacy power to produce desired effect; ADJ. effica-
cious: effectual ♠ elysian relating to paradise; blissful

effigy dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, pa- ♥ Elysium place or condition of bliss
per, or stone; Ex. burn an effigy of the President emaciated thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)
♥ dummy imitation of a real object used as a substitute; emanate issue forth; come out
effigy
emancipate set free; liberate
♠ effluvium noxious(harmful) smell
embargo ban on commerce or other activity
effrontery rudeness without any sense of shame;
shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek embark commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey

♥ effulgent shining brightly; brilliant

embed(imbed) enclose; place in something; fix firmly in
effusion pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of a surrounding mass
feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring
forth; gushing embellish adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by
adding fictitious details)
♥ gush (of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole;
make an excessive display of feeling (without true feel- embezzlement taking for one’s own use in violation of
ing); Ex. Blood gushed from the wound. trust; stealing (of money placed in one’s care)
egoism excessive interest in one’s self; belief that one ♥ emblazon ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. embla-
should be interested in one’s self rather than in others; zonment
selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical ♥ embody give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
♥ ego one’s opinion of oneself; self-esteem ♠ emboss produce a design in raised relief; decorate
egotistical egotistic; excessively self- with a raised design
centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited embrace hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse;
♥ egotism tendency to speak or write of oneself exces- accept readily; encircle; include; Ex. embrace the
sively; conceit; self-importance cause/socialism; Ex. all-embracing; CF. brace; CF.
bracelet
egregious notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking
♥ encircle surround
♠ egress exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP.
ingress embroider decorate with needlework; ornament (a
♠ ejaculation exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish
sperm); V. ejaculate embroil throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute,
♠ elaboration addition of details; intricacy or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio

♥ elaborate work out carefully; add more detail or infor- embryonic undeveloped; rudimentary; N. embryo: or-
mation; ADJ. ganism in the early stage of development

elated filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed; in emend correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correc-
high spirits; joyful and proud; Ex. elated crowd; V. tion of errors; improvement
elate; N. elation ♠ emetic substance causing vomiting; ADJ.
♠ elegy poem or song expressing lamentation (for the ♠ eminent rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished;
dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac Ex. eminent position

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 emissary agent (sent on a mission to represent another); engender cause; produce; give rise to
messenger
engross occupy fully; absorb
emollient soothing or softening remedy (for the skin);
ADJ. enhance increase; make greater (as in value, reputation,
or usefulness); improve
emolument salary; payment for an office; compensa-
tion enigma puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puz-
zling
♠ empathy ability to identify with another ’s feelings,
ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of an- ♥ puzzle baffle or confuse by a difficult problem; ponder
other ’s feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy over a problem in an effort to solve; clarify or solve by
reasoning; Ex. puzzle out the answer; N.
♥ compassion sympathy for the suffering of others; ADJ.
compassionate enjoin command; order; forbid
empirical based on experience enmity ill will; hatred; hostility
♠ emulate imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through im- ♠ ennui boredom; listlessness and dissatisfaction result-
itation) ing from lack of interest; CF. annoy
♠ enamored in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enormity hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wicked-
enamor: inspire with love ness; Ex. enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous
encipher encode; convert a message into code; put into ♠ enrapture please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
cipher
enclave territory enclosed within an alien land ♠ ensconce settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a se-
encomiastic praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very cure place)
high praise; eulogy
ensue follow (as a result)
encompass surround; include; Ex. His activities encom-
entail make necessary; require; necessitate; involve;
pass publishing and computers.
limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succes-
encroachment gradual intrusion; Ex. I resent all these sion of heirs; Ex. entail A on/upon B
encroachments on my valuable time; V. encroach: take
another ’s possessions or right gradually or stealthily; ♠ enterprising full of initiative; showing enterprise
intrude; Ex. encroach on/upon ♥ enterprise willingness to take new ventures; initiative;
business organization; plan (that is difficult or daring);
17 Ex. their latest enterprise to sail round the world in a
small boat
encumber burden; N. encumbrance
enthrall capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete
♠ endearment fond word or act; expression of affection attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound
♥ endear make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. entice lure; persuade to do (something wrong); attract;
dear: loved; cherished; high-priced tempt
endemic prevailing among a specific group of people ♥ mischief behavior (of children) causing trouble with no
or in a specific area or country; peculiar to a particular serious harm; damage; harm; Ex. mischief to the crops;
re- gion or people; CF. pandemic ADJ. mischievous: causing mischief; playfully trouble-
endorse approve; support; write one’s signature on the some
back of; N. endorsement; CF. dorsal
entity real being
endue provide with some quality; endow
entomology study of insects
enduring lasting; surviving; V. endure: bear (pain or
suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of diffi- ♠ entrance put under a spell(condition caused by magical
culties); last; survive power); carry away(fill with strong feeling) with emo-
tion; put into a trance; fill with delight
energize invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and
active ♥ trance hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from
one’s physical surrounding (as in contemplation or day-
enervate weaken; take away energy from dreaming); CF. transition
enfranchise admit to the rights of citizenship (espe- ♥ hypnosis induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V.
cially the right to vote); CF. franchise hyp- notize
♠ engage attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; entreat plead; ask earnestly
fight; enter into confliction; interlock; lock together; par-
ticipate; N. engagement: agreement to marry; arrange- ♠ entree(entre´ e) entrance; a way in; right to enter;
ment to meet someone or to do something; battle main dish of a meal; Ex. entree into the exclusive circle
engaging charming; attractive entrepreneur businessperson (who assumes the risk of
a business venture); contractor; ADJ. entrepreneurial
♥ engaged employed; busy; betrothed; involved in con-
flict enumerate list; mention one by one

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♠ enunciate announce; proclaim; utter or speak, espe- ♠ equivocate use equivocal language to deceive people;
cially distinctly; pronounce clearly; articulate; Ex. This lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivoca-
theory was first enunciated by him. tion
environ enclose; surround; N. environs: surrounding erode eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion; Ex.
area (as of a city) The sea erodes the rocks.
♠ eon(aeon) long period of time; an age; longest division erotic pertaining to passionate love or sexual love
of geologic time containing two or more eras
♠ errant wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying
♠ epaulet(epaulette) ornament worn on the shoulder (of from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant
a uniform, etc.)
♠ erratic odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpre-
♥ fringe decorative edge of hanging threads; edge dictable
ephemeral short-lived; fleeting erroneous mistaken; wrong; incorrect
♥ fleet fast; rapid; N. ADJ. fleeting: passing quickly; erudite (of a person or book) learned; full of learning;
ephemeral scholarly; N. erudition
epic long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (cel- ♥ scholarly full of learning; erudite; like a scholar; Ex.
ebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events) scholarly journal
resembling an epic; grand escapade prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure
epicure connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ. that disobeys rules
epicurean; CF. Epicurus ♥ prank mischievous trick
♥ Epicurean believing that pleasure is good and suffering ♥ flighty (esp. of a woman’s behavior) capricious; often
is bad and should be avoided; N. changing, esp. from one lover to another; impulsive
♠ epigram witty thought or saying, usually short ♠ eschew avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks
epilogue short speech at conclusion of dramatic work ♠ esoteric hard to understand; known only to the chosen
♠ episodic (of a story or play) loosely connected; made up few, esp. initiates; N. esoterica
of separate and loosely connected parts; N. episode: in- espionage spying
cident in the course of an experience
♠ espouse adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry; N.
♠ epistemologist philosopher who studies the nature of es- pousal
knowledge; N. epistemology
esteem respect; value; judge; N.
♠ epitaph inscription in memory of a dead person (as on ♥ estimable (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable;
a tombstone)
deserving esteem; possible to estimate
♠ epithet word or phrase characteristically used to de- ♥ inestimable impossible to estimate; (apprec) invalu-
scribe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to charac- able; of immeasurable worth
terize a person (often contemptous)
estranged separated; alienated; V. estrange: alienate
epitome perfect example or embodiment; brief sum- (people in a family); N. estrangement
mary; Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize:
make an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody ♠ ethereal like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly;
unusually refined; Ex. She has an ethereal beauty; CF.
epoch period of time ether: upper air
equable tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) ♥ airy of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
steady; uniform
♠ ethnic relating to races
equanimity calmness of temperament; composure
♠ ethnology study of humankind; study of the different
♠ equestrian rider on horseback; ADJ. races of human beings; CF. anthropology
equilibrium balance of opposing forces; balance of the ♠ ethos underlying character of a culture, group, etc.;
mind; equanimity character or ideas peculiar to a specific person, group,
or culture; Ex. the company ethos
♠ equine resembling a horse; Ex. equine face
etymology study of word parts; study of the origins of
equinox period of equal days and nights; the beginning
words
of spring and autumn; Ex. vernal/autumnal equinox;
ADJ. equinoctial eugenic pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eu-
genics: study of hereditary improvement of the human
♠ equipoise balance; balancing force; equilibrium
race
equitable fair; impartial; OP. inequitable eulogistic praising; full of eulogy
equity fairness; justice; OP. inequity
♠ equivocal (of words or statements) ambiguous; inten- 18
tionally misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. un- ♠ eulogy expression of praise, often on the occasion of
equivocal someone’s death; V. eulogize

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 euphemism mild expression in place of an unpleasant execute put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful pun-
one; ADJ. euphemistic ishment; N. execution
euphony sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious ♥ executor person designated to execute the terms of a
♠ euphoria feeling of exaggerated or un- will; \VÕüt Œ•¾¡§_ ]jŒ•
founded(ungrounded; baseless) well-being; feeling ♥ executioner person administering capital punishment
of great happiness or well-being (when unreasonable);
ADJ. euphoriaric ♥ executive person having administrative authority; one
branch of government executing laws; ADJ: relating to
euthanasia mercy killing executing
evanescent fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. ♥ legislature legislating branch of government; CF. legis-
evanesce late: make laws
♠ evasive not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; ♥ judiciary judicial branch of government
evading; V. evade: avoid (a duty or responsibility) or
♠ exegesis explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible)
escape from by deceit
passages
evince show clearly
exemplary serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exem-
♠ evenhanded impartial; fair plary punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical ex-
ample; model
evocative tending to call up (emotions, memories)
exemplify show by example; furnish an example; serve
evoke call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film
as an example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of
evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation
painting.
♠ ewe female sheep
exempt not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a
♥ ram male sheep; V. strike or drive against with a heavy duty; V.
impact exertion effort; expenditure of much physical work; V.
exacerbate worsen; aggravate; embitter exert oneself: make a great effort
♥ embitter make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; ♥ exhale breathe out; OP. inhale
make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many exhilarating invigorating and refreshing; cheering; V.
disappointments. exhilarate: make cheerful and excited; Ex. exhilarated
exacting extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard by the ride in the sports car
of safety ♠ exhort urge (by strong argument or advice); Ex. The
♥ exact demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise general exhorted his men to fight bravely; N. exhorta-
from him; N. exaction tion
exalt raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire; Ex. ♥ urge drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive
exalt the imagination; ADJ. exalted; N. exaltation to take action; impel; entreat earnestly; Ex. urge horses;
N: impulse that prompts action
♠ exasperate vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the pa-
tience) ♥ urgent compelling immediate action; pressing; persis-
tent; importunate; Ex. urgent in his demands
♠ exceptionable objectionable; likely to cause dislike; of-
fensive; CF. unexceptionable: entirely acceptable exhume dig out of the ground; remove from a grave

♥ except exclude; N. exception: objection; exclusion; ADJ. ♥ coroner public official who investigates any death
exceptional: unusual; of unusually high quality thought to be of other than natural causes

♠ excerpt selected passage (written or musical) taken exigency urgent situation; ADJ. exigent
from a longer work; V. exiguous small in amount; minute
♠ exchequer treasury; Ex. Chancellor of the exchequer ♠ existential pertaining to existence; pertaining to the
♥ chancellor legal official of high rank; CF. chan- philosophy of existentialism
cellery(chancellory): position of a chancellor exodus departure (of a large number of people)
♥ treasure keep as precious; cherish exonerate acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
excise cut away; cut out; N: government tax on good exorbitant (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding
produced and used inside a country; N. excision reasonable bounds
exclaim cry out suddenly; N. exclamation; ADJ. exclam- exorcise drive out evil spirits
atory exotic not native; from another part of the world;
♠ excoriate scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strange; intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress
strip the skin off
exculpate clear from blame or guilt ♥ intrigue make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of;
N: secret scheme; plot; secret love affair
♠ execrable very bad; detestable
♠ expansive (of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad
execrate curse; express abhorrence for; detest and extensive; able to increase in size

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♥ outgoing sociable; eager to mix socially with others ♥ wring twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting;
♠ expatiate talk at length; speak or write in detail wrench painfully (necks or hands)
expatriate exile; someone who has withdrawn from his ♠ extradition surrender of prisoner by one state to an-
native land; V: exile; banish; leave one’s country other; Ex. extradition treaty; V. extradite
expedient suitable (for a particular purpose al- ♠ extraneous not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; ex-
though not necessarily morally correct); practical; ternal; coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous de-
politic(prudent); N: something expedient tails/noise/to the subject
expedite hasten; make go faster ♠ extrapolation projection; conjecture; V. extrapolate: in-
♥ expeditious done with speed; quick; N. expedition fer (unknown information) from known information

expenditure payment or expense; expending; some- extricate free from an entanglement or difficulty; disen-
thing expended; output; Ex. receipt for the expenditure; tangle
Ex. expenditure of all the energy ♥ inextricable from which it is impossible to get free; that
expertise specialized knowledge (in a particular field); cannot be untied; Ex. inextricable troubles; Ex. inextri-
expert skill cable two histories

expiate make amends for (a sin) extrinsic external; not essential or inherent; extraneous;
OP. intrinsic
♠ expletive meaningless word; interjection; profane oath;
swear-word extrovert person interested mostly in external objects
and actions
♥ interjection exclamation; Ex. “Ouch”
♥ mingle mix together in close association
♥ swear vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive
words ♠ extrude force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or
metal) by forcing through a die
♥ swear-word word considered offensive; Ex. “bloody”
♠ exuberance overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm;
♥ oath solemn promise; blasphemous use of sacred words
flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited
to express strong feelings; swear-word; Ex. “For Christ’s
and lively; growing abundantly and strongly
sake”
♥ glow shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or met-
explicate explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. expli-
als); show redness and heat (in the face) after hard work
cable
or because of strong feelings; N: light produced by a
explicit totally clear; definite; outspoken heated body; brilliance of a color
exploit brave and successful act; deed or action, partic- ♠ exude flow out slowly; discharge (gradually); give
ularly a brave deed; CF. crossing the Atlantic ocean forth; N. exudation
exploit make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploita- ♥ ooze (of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly; N: mud or
tion thick liquid as at the bottom of a river
expository explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposi- exult rejoice
tion: explaining; exhibition
fabricate build; lie; make up (a story) in order to de-
♠ expostulation protest; remonstrance; reasoning ceive; Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underly-
with someone to correct or dissuade; V. expostulate ing structure; Ex. fabric of society
exposure risk, particularly of being exposed to disease ♠ facade(fac¸ade) front or face (of building); superficial
or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying something or false appearance
open; Ex. exposure of governmental corruption
facet small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a
expound explain
side
♠ expropriate take possession of (often for public use and
♠ facetious joking (often inappropriately); unserious; hu-
without payment)
morous
♠ expunge cancel; remove a word or name (from a book
or list); erase ♠ facile easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial;
not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex.
expurgate clean; remove offensive parts of a book facile speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily
extant (of something written or painted) still in exis- and well; ease in doing resulting from skill or aptitude;
tence something that facilitates an action; amenity; Ex. with
great facility
extemporaneous not planned; impromptu; extempore
facilitate help bring about; make less difficult
♠ extenuate weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of
(bad behavior) facsimile copy
extirpate root up; uproot; destroy completely ♠ faction party; clique (within a large group); dissension
♠ extol praise very highly; glorify ♥ dissension disagreement of opinions causing strife
within a group
extort wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by
force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant ♠ factious inclined to form factions; causing dissension

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♠ factitious artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; feasible practical; able to be carried out; practicable
Ex. factitious tears
♠ febrile feverish
♠ factotum handyman; person who does all kinds of
work; CF. do everything ♠ fecundity fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very pro-
ductive of crops or young
faculty mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
♥ fertile producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land)

19 producing good crops; V. fertilize

♥ fruitful producing results; profitable; prolific; produc-
fallacious false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fal- ing in abundance
lacy: false idea or notion; false reasoning; Ex. popular
fallacy; Ex. fallacy of the argument feign pretend
fallible liable to err ♠ feint trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw
away defensive action; V.
♥ falsify make (something written) false by changing
♥ shift change position or place; exchange (one thing) for
♠ fallow (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the another; change in direction or position; Ex. shift the
quality); uncultivated stolen goods; N. group of workers which takes turns
♥ sow plant or scatter seed with other groups; working period of such a group
♠ falter hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or ♠ felicitous (of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed;
move unsteadily through weakness; N. well chosen
♥ stumble trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act fal- ♠ felicity happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice,
teringly; N. etc.); quality of being felicitous
fanaticism excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief ♥ feline of a member of the cat family; N.
or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic
♠ fell cruel; (of a disease) deadly
fancied imagined; unreal
♠ fell cut or knock down (a tree or a person); bring down
♠ fancier breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a spe- (with a missile)
cial interest, as for raising specific plant or animal
felon person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony: se-
♠ fanciful whimsical; visionary; imaginary; produced by rious crime
imagination; Ex. fanciful scheme
♠ feral (of an animal) not domestic; wild
♥ fancy imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature);
capricious liking; V: imagine; be fond of; ADJ. decora- ♠ ferment agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activ-
tive; elaborate ity); unrest (of a political kind); V. produce by fermen-
tation; undergo fermentation; cause (a state of trouble)
♠ fanfare call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spec-
tacular public display
♥ fermentation chemical reaction that splits complex or-
♠ farce broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of ganic compounds; unrest; agitation
silly things happening; ADJ. farcical
♠ ferret drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets;
♠ fastidious difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky drive out (as from a hiding place); expel; uncover or dis-
♥ squeamish easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant cover by searching; Ex. ferret out the secret; N. small
things; fastidious; Ex. A nurse should not be squeamish. fierce animal which catches rats and rabbits by going
into their holes
♠ fatalism belief that events are determined by forces or ♠ fervent ardent; zealous; hot
fates beyond one’s control; ADJ. fatalistic; CF. fatal: ♠ fervid ardent; zealous; hot
causing death
♥ impassioned (of speech) filled with passion; fervent
fathom comprehend; investigate; determine the depth
of; N. unit of measurement for the depth of water ♠ fervor glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of be-
ing fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat
♥ fathomless too deep to be measured or understood; un-
fathomable ♠ fester rankle; produce irritation or resentment; (of a cut
or wound) generate pus or rot; Ex. His insult festered in
♠ fatuous smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly;
my mind for days.
N. fatuity, fatuousness
festive joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival
fauna animals of a period or region; CF. flora
♠ fawning courting favor by cringing and flattering;
♠ fete(feˆ te) honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with
V. fawn: exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or
a feast; N. (outdoor) festival or feast; CF. feast
attention by obsequiousness
♥ court attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to in- ♠ fetid(foetid) malodorous; foul
vite; attempt to gain the favor of by attention; Ex. court ♥ foul very bad or disagreeable; very dirty; Ex. foul
disaster smell/flavor/temper/language/air/deed/weather/means;
♠ faze disconcert; dismay; embarrass N. act against the rules; V. make or become foul; commit
a foul

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♥ fetish(fetich) object believed to have spiritual powers; ♥ hothead person who does things too quickly without
object of excessive attention or reverence; CF. fetishism thinking; ADJ. hotheaded
♠ fetter shackle; restrict the freedom of; N. chain or fissure crevice; crack
shackle for the foot of a prisoner; CF. foot
♠ fitful spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
♠ fiasco total failure; CF. bottle
♥ fit sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion
♠ fiat command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; caused by epilepsy
CF. let it be done
♠ flaccid flabby; lacking firmness; weak; Ex. flaccid mus-
fickle changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless cles
♠ fictitious imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented ♥ limp walk lamely; ADJ: lacking firmness; weak
to deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. ♠ flag droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength;
fictional ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging
fidelity loyalty; accuracy ♥ droop bend or hang downward; become weakened; Ex.
♠ figment invention; something invented; imaginary His shoulders drooped with tiredness; N.
thing; Ex. figment of your imagination flagrant conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; bla-
figurative not literal but metaphorical; using a fig- tant; outrageous
ure(impression) of speech outrage act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful
♥ figure written symbols; number; amount represented anger; V: commit an outrage on; produce anger in; ADJ.
in numbers; outline or silhouette of a thing or human outrageous: offensive
body; person (well-known); impression; diagram; pat- ♠ flail beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly; thresh
tern; group in a dance; Ex. figure of speech; V. calculate grain by hand; strike or slap; toss about; N: threshing
with numbers; adorn with figures; appear; consider; Ex. tool consisting of a stick swinging from the end of a long
My name did not figure in the list. handle
♠ figurine small ornamental statuette(very small statue) ♥ thresh beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to sep-
arate the grains from the straw
♠ filch steal (things of small value)
♥ toss throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden
♥ pilfer steal things of small value; filch; snitch motion; flip (a coin) to decide something
♠ filial pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. ♠ flair talent
fil- ial respect
♠ flamboyant ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; os-
♠ filibuster block legislation or prevent action in a law- tentatious; showy; CF. flame
making body by making very slow long speeches; N;
freebooter ♠ flaunt display ostentatiously; Ex. “Honey, if you’ve got
it, flaunt it !”
♥ freebooter pirate or plunderer who makes war in order
to grow rich ♠ flay strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criti-
cize harshly
♥ bust piece of sculpture showing a person’s head, shoul-
♠ fleck spot; mark with flecks; N: small mark or spot
ders, and upper chest; V: break up; arrest; Ex. crime-
buster ♠ fledgling(fledgeling) inexperienced; N: young bird that
has acquired wing feathers and is learning to fly; inex-
♠ filigree delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
perienced person
♥ lace cord used to draw and tie together two opposite ♠ fleece wool coat of a sheep; V: shear the fleece from; rob
edges (as of a shoe); delicate fabric made of fine threads;
by a trick; swindle; plunder
V: draw together by tying a lace
♥ shear remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair
♠ filing particle removed by a file or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears; N: shears;
finale conclusion; concluding part pair of scissors
♠ finesse delicate skill; V: handle with finesse ♥ trickster person who cheats people

♠ finicky too particular; fussy; difficult to please; too con- ♠ flick light stroke as with a whip; V: move with a light
cerned with unimportant details or quality; Ex. finicky quick blow; strike with a light quick blow (as from a
about her food whip); Ex. flick the switch

♥ fussy fastidious; finicky; easily upset ♥ flicker burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly; N:
flickering movement or light; brief sensation; Ex. flicker
♥ fuss: trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous; pay of excitement
too much attention to; N: needless concern or worry
♥ flutter (of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings)
(about a trivial thing); anxious nervous condition; dis-
lightly, rapidly, and irregularly; vibrate rapidly or errat-
play of attention; Ex. make a fuss over the baby
ically; fly by waving quickly; flitter; N.
finite limited
♠ flinch hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something un-
♠ firebrand piece of burning wood; hothead; trouble- pleasant); Ex. She did not flinch in the face of danger.
maker; person who stirs up trouble

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 20 ♥ stammer speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions

♠ flippant lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant re-

marks about death; N. flippancy ♠ flux flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state
of flux
♥ flip send (something) spinning, often into the air, by
striking with a light quick blow; turn over; Ex. flip over ♠ fodder coarse food for cattle, horses, etc.; feed for live-
stock; CF. food

♠ flit fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly; pass ♠ foible small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. fee-
swiftly by; Ex. a bee flitting from flower to flower ble

♠ floe flat mass of floating ice ♠ foil contrast; one that by contrast enhances the distinc-
tive characteristics of another
flora plants of a region or era
♠ foil defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful;
♥ florescence condition or period of flowering thwart; CF. fail
♠ florid ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ♠ foist insert improperly; impose upon another by coer-
ornate; CF. rose cion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist
♥ flush redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly;
wash out by a rapid brief flow of water; N: reddish ♥ palm conceal in the palm of the hand; palm off: pass
tinge; blush; brief rush; rush of strong feeling; Ex. flush off; Ex. palm off some bad oranges onto the lady/the
of pride; ADJ: having surfaces in the same plane; even; painting as a real Renoir
blushing
♥ pass off present falsely; represent falsely to be
♥ blush become red in the face (from embarrassment or
shame); become red or rosy; N. ♠ foliage masses of leaves; CF. defoliate
♥ tinge give a slight degree of a color or quality to; N: ♠ foment stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of
slight degree of a color or quality; Ex. tinged with (something evil or unpleasant)
grey/jealousy
♠ foolhardy rash; reckless; foolishly daring
♥ tint slight degree of color; V: give a tint to
♠ foppish vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man
♥ flowery full of flowers; full of ornate expressions who takes too much interest in his clothes and appear-
♠ flotsam drifting wreckage ance
♥ jetsam things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship) ♠ foray raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.
♠ flounder struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily ♠ forbearance patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain
or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex.
confu- sion forbear to send him to prison
♥ thrash beat with a whip or flail; defeat utterly; talk ♠ ford place where a river can be crossed on foot; V.
about thoroughly in order to find the answer; move
♠ forebears(forbears) ancestors
wildly or violently; Ex. The fishes thrashed about in the
net. foreboding premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil;
V. forebode: be a warning of (something unpleasant)
flourish grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures;
wave; brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. ♠ forensic suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used
N: showy movement or gesture; embellishment or or- in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex.
namentation (esp. in handwriting) forensic science/medicine
♠ flout reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout ♥ forum public square of an ancient Roman city; public
the rules place for open discussion; court of law
♥ curb chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse; foreshadow give an indication beforehand; be a sign of
something that checks; V: check; restrain (what is coming); portend; prefigure
fluctuate waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; ♥ prefigure be a sign of; foreshadow
change or vary irregularly
♥ forerunner predecessor; one that comes before and in-
fluency smoothness of speech; ADJ. fluent dicates the approach of another
♠ fluke unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental foresight ability to foresee future happenings; prudence
stroke of good luck; ADJ. fluky in providing for the future
♠ fluster confuse; make nervous and confused; N. forestall prevent by taking action in advance
♠ fluted having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); ♥ nuptial of marriage or the wedding ceremony; N; nup-
V. flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: tials; wedding ceremony
long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column
♥ forfeit something surrendered as punishment for a
♥ groove long narrow channel made in a surface to guide
crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. for-
the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record
feiture

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♥ forge counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by ♥ pastry paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)
heating in a forge and hammering into shape; move
with a sudden increase of speed or power; Ex. forged ♥ plaster paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used
ahead in the last two years; N: furnace where metals are for coating walls; V.
heated ♠ fret be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor
forgo(forego) give up; do without grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful
friction clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against
forlorn sad and lonely; wretched; desolate
♠ frieze ornamental horizontal band on a wall
formality ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence
to rules; something done just for form’s sake; Ex. mere frigid intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone
formality ♠ fritter waste (time or money on unimportant things)
formidable menacing; arousing fear; threatening; diffi- frivolous lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-
cult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention;
♥ menace threat; V: threaten relatively unimportant; trivial
♠ forsake desert; abandon; renounce ♥ self-indulgence excessive indulgence of one’s own de-
sire
♠ forswear renounce under oath; abandon; make a
solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure ♥ carefree free from worries; having no problems

forte strong point or special talent in a person’s charac- ♠ frolicsome prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
ter ♥ frolic play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking
♠ forthright straightforward; direct; frank young lambs
♠ frond fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
♥ forthcoming happening in the near future; ready; will-
ing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming. ♥ litter waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scat-
tered untidily); V: cover untidily with scattered litter
fortitude bravery; courage; strength of mind
♠ fructify bear fruit; produce fruit
♠ fortuitous accidental; by chance; N. fortuity
frugality thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing econ-
♠ foster rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encour-
omy; costing little; inexpensive
age; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex.
help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care fruition bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex.
although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents come to/be brought to fruition
♠ founder fail completely; sink; CF. flounder frustrate thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a
purpose
founder person who establishes (an organization or
business) fugitive fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time;
roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the
♠ fracas brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large
of people take part; melee
♠ fulcrum support on which a lever rests or pivots
♠ fractious unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex.
fractious horse ♠ fulminate thunder; explode; issue a severe denuncia-
tion
frail weak; N. frailty
♠ fulsome disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering;
franchise right or privilege granted by authority; right Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire
to vote; license to sell a product in a particular territory
fumble move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in
♠ frantic wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. fran- search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is
tic with fear in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.
fraudulent cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; ♠ functionary official (who performs a particular func-
N. fraud: deception; swindle tion)
♠ fraught filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. ♥ functional made for practical use only (without decora-
fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight tion); functioning; Ex. functional modern furniture; CF.
♠ fray brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; functionalism
have loose threads developing; cause to become worn fundamental basic; primary; essential
out (a person’s temper or nerves); CF. rub
♠ funereal sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral
♠ frenetic(phrenetic) frenzied; frantic
♠ furor frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury
♠ frenzied madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild ♠ furtive stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape no-
excite- ment tice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance
♠ fresco painting on wet plaster (usually fresh) ♥ sneak move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way; N:
♥ paste smooth viscous mixture as of flour(powder made one who sneaks; ADJ. sneaky
by crushing grain) and water (used as an adhesive); V: ♥ underhand(underhanded) done slyly and secretly (be-
cause to adhere by applying paste ing dishonest)
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♥ sly clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one’s inten- gargoyle waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a
tions building
♠ fusillade simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, ♠ garish overbright in color; unpleasantly bright; gaudy
questions, etc.)
♥ trim make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by remov-
fusion union; coalition; V. fuse ing what is unnecessary; ornament; decorate (round the
futile useless; hopeless; ineffectual edges); Ex. trim the cost; Ex. jacket trimmed with fur;
N. ADJ: tidy; in good order
♠ gadfly animal-biting fly; irritating person
♠ garner gather; store up; amass
♠ gaffe social blunder
♠ garnish decorate; add a garnish to; decorate (food or
21 drink) with small items such as lemon slices; N.

♠ gainsay deny ♠ garrulous loquacious; wordy; talkative; N. garrulity

♠ gait manner of walking or running; speed ♠ gastronomy art and science of preparing and serving
good food; CF. gastronome
galaxy large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky
Way; collection of brilliant personalities gauche clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
gale windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst
(laughters, tears); Ex. gale of laughter ♠ gaudy flashy; showy
♠ gall bitterness of feeling; nerve; effrontery; ♥ flashy showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
{Ϊa v(bile); CF. gall bladder
♥ gild cover with a thin layer of gold
♠ gall annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by
rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation ♠ gaunt lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; bar-
ren
galleon large three-masted sailing ship
♠ gavel hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used
♥ galley low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves) by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.
♥ clipper sailing vessel built for great speed ♥ bid command; utter (a greeting); offer as a price; N:
♥ pinnace small boat offer of a price; amount offered; earnest effort to gain
something; Ex. bid for freedom
♥ clip cut off with shears; fasten; N: something clipped off
(as a short extract from film); clasp or fastener ♠ gawk stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe
♠ galvanize stimulate or shock by an electric current; ♠ gazette official periodical publication; newspaper
stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with
genealogy record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of
rust-resistant zinc by using electricity
ancestry
♥ galvanic of the production of electricity by the action of
an acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock; generality vague statement; general statement which is
Ex. galvanic cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani not detailed; quality of being general; greater part;
most; Ex. generality of people
♠ gambit opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed;
action made to produce a future advantage generate cause; produce; create

♥ ploy strategem to gain an advantage; tactic; Ex. man- generic characteristic of an entire class or species; of a
agement ploy genus
♠ gambol romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; ♥ genus division of animals or plants, below a family and
N. above a species
♥ romp play or frolic boisterously; gambol; N. genesis beginning; origin
♥ zest outer skin of an orange used for giving a special ♠ geniality cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy; ADJ. ge-
taste to food; spice; interest; flavor; spirited enjoyment; nial: cheerful and good-tempered
Ex. add a certain zest to the affair; Ex. zest for life
genre particular variety of art or literature
♠ gamely in a spirited manner; with courage; Ex. fight
♠ genteel well-bred; elegant; striving to convey an ap-
gamely against a superior boxer; ADJ. game
pearance of refinement; Ex. genteel poverty
♠ gamut entire range
♠ gentility those of gentle birth; high social class; refine-
♠ gape open widely; open the mouth wide; stare wonder- ment; quality of being genteel
ingly with the mouth open; CF. agape
♥ breed produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an un-
♠ garbled mixed up; jumbled; distorted; V. garble: mix desirable condition); N: kind or sort of animal or plant
up or distort (a message) to such an extent as to make
misleading or unintelligible
♥ crossbreed hybridize; N: hybrid; CF. interbreed; CF. in-
♥ jumble mix in a confused way breed
♠ gargantuan huge; enormous; gigantic; CF. the hero of ♥ well-bred of good upbringing; well-mannered and re-
Gargantua and Pantagruel fined
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♠ gentry people of standing(rank or position); people of ♥ slick make smooth or glossy; N: smooth surface; Ex. oil
good family or high social position; class of people just slick; ADJ: smooth; glossy; deftly executed; adroit; glib
below nobility
♥ sleek smooth and shining (as from good health); V.
♥ gentle kindly; soft; mild; of good family
♠ glimmer shine erratically; twinkle; N: dim or unsteady
♠ genuflect bend the knee as in worship light; faint indication; Ex. glimmer of hope
germane pertinent; bearing upon(having connection ♥ glitter shine brightly with flashing points of light; Ex.
with) the case at hand; appropriate glittering diamond ring; N: sparkling light; attractive-
♠ germinal pertaining to a germ; creative; Ex. germinal ness; glamor; Ex. glitter of the sun on the waves
idea ♥ glamor compelling charm; ADJ. glamorous
♥ germ earliest form of an organism; seed or bud; some- ♠ gloat express evil satisfaction; look at or think about
thing that may develop into something larger or more with evil satisfaction; view malevolently; Ex. The thief
important; microbe gloated over the stolen jewels.
germinate cause to sprout; sprout ♠ gloss over explain away with the intention of deceiving
♥ sprout begin to grow; give off shoots or buds; N: new or hiding faults
growth on a plant; shoot ♥ gloss brief explanation note or translation of a difficult
♥ shoot new growth from a plant expression; V.
gerontocracy government ruled by old people glossary brief explanation of words used in the text
♥ gerontology study of the sociological phenomena asso- ♠ glossy smooth and shining; N. gloss: shiny brightness
ciated with old age on a surface; superficially attractive appearance; Ex.
gloss of good manners
♥ geriatrics medical treatment and care of old age
♥ mat not shiny; matte; having a dull finish; N: flat piece
♠ gerrymander change voting district lines in order to of material used as a floor covering; V.
favor a political party; N. CF. Elbridge Gerry +
(sala)mander ♥ finish surface texture; completeness of execution
♠ gestate evolve as in prenatal growth; N. gestation: pe- ♥ finished properly made and complete; Ex. finished
riod of development from conception until birth product/performance
♥ natal connected with birth; CF. prenatal; CF. postnatal ♠ glower scowl; glare; look or stare angrily
♠ gesticulation motion; gesture; V. gesticulate: make ges- ♥ scowl frown angrily; N: angry frown
tures (while speaking) ♠ glut overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food); fill to
♠ ghastly horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts; CF. excess; N: oversupply
aghast ♠ glutinous sticky; viscous; gluey
♠ gibberish nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk glutton someone who eats too much; ADJ. gluttonous:
or writing; babbling given to gluttony; greedy; CF. gluttony: habit of eating
♠ gibe mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks too much
♠ giddy light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; caus- ♠ gnarled twisted
ing dizziness; Ex. giddy youth; Ex. giddy climb/height ♥ gnarl protruding knot on a tree; V.
gnome dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure
♠ gingerly very carefully; ADJ. hoards
♠ girth distance around something; circumference goad urge on; drive with a goad; cause (someone) to do
♠ gist essence; main point; substance something by continued annoyance; Ex. They goaded
him into doing it by saying he was a coward; N: sharp-
glacial like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex. pointed stick for driving cattle; stimulus; CF. annoy con-
glacial epoch; CF. iceberg tinually
♠ glaring (of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly ♠ gorge narrow canyon; steep rocky cleft; ravine (made
bright; shining intensely and blindingly by a stream which runs through it)
♥ glare shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and ♠ gorge stuff oneself (with food); glut; CF. gorgeous: daz-
angrily; N. zlingly beautiful
♠ glaze cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze ♠ gory bloody; N. gore: blood (from a wound)
to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex.
unglazed pottery ♥ shudder shake uncontrollably; tremble; V.
♠ glean gather leavings; gather grain left behind by ♠ gossamer sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and
reapers; gather bit by bit (facts or information) often sheer fabric; cobweb
with difficulty ♥ sheer pure; thin and transparent; very steep
glib fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile;
slick 22
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♠ gouge tear out; cut out (as if with a gouge); Ex. gouge ♠ grimace facial distortion to show feeling such as pain,
his eyes out; N: chisel for cutting out hollow areas in disgust, etc; V.
wood
♠ grisly ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bod-
♠ gouge overcharge (with high price); extort from; Ex. ies
gouge the public; CF. usury
♥ groom man employed to take care of horses; V: make
♠ gourmand epicure; person who takes excessive plea- neat and trim; clean and brush (an animal)
sure in food and drink
grotesque fantastic; comically hideous; strange and un-
♠ gourmet connoisseur of food and drink; epicure natural (causing fear or amusement)
graduated arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, ♥ hideous repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex.
etc.) hideous face/scream
♥ graduate arrange into categories or grades; divide into ♠ grotto small cavern
marked intervals (for use in measurement); Ex. gradu-
ated ruler ♠ grouse complain; fuss; grumble; grouch; N: plump
chickenlike game bird
♠ granary storehouse for grain
♥ grumble complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch; N.
grandeur impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
♥ mutter utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low
♥ stately formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size; ma- tones
jestic
♥ rumble make or move with a deep rolling sound (as
grandiloquent (of a person or speech) using high thunder or stomach)
sounding or important-sounding language; pompous;
bombastic ♠ grovel crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; be-
have in a servile manner
grandiose affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown;
ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or grudging unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluc-
scope; grand; Ex. grandiose ideas tantly)
♥ high-flown highly pretentious or inflated ♠ gruel thin liquid porridge
♥ matine´ e(matinee) dramatic or musical ♥ porridge soft food made by boiling oatmeal
performance given in the afternoon ♥ oatmeal crushed oats used for making porridge
♠ granulate form into grains or granules; N. granule: ♠ grueling exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race
grain or particle
♠ gruesome grisly; horrible
graphic pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly de-
scribed ♠ gruff rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse
♥ vivid (of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking life- ♥ grunt utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does); N.
like mental images; Ex. vivid red hair/description ♠ guffaw boisterous laughter; V.
♥ graphite black form of carbon used in lead pencils guile deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning; Ex. persuade
♠ grapple wrestle; come to grips with; take hold of and her by guile
struggle with; Ex. grapple with the burglar ♥ cunning clever in deceiving; sly; N: cleverness in de-
♠ grate make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; ceiving; deceit
shred by rubbing against a rough surface; Ex. grated guileless without deceit
cheese N: framework of metal bars to hold fuel in a fire-
place guise outward appearance; costume; Ex. in a new guise
gratify please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire
♠ gull trick; deceive; hoodwink; N: person who is easily
♠ gratis free; without charge; ADJ. tricked; dupe
gratuitous given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; gullible easily deceived
done without good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment
♠ gustatory affecting or relating to the sense of taste
gratuity tip
♠ gusto eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
gravity seriousness; ADJ. grave
gusty windy
gregarious sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a
group ♥ gust strong abrupt rush of wind; V. CF. bluster
grievance cause of complaint; complaint ♠ guy cable or chain attached to something that needs to
be braced or steadied; CF. guide
♠ grill question severely; cook on a grill; broil; N: cooking
surface of parallel metal bars ♥ topple become unsteady and fall down
♥ broil cook by direct heat; N. ♥ overthrow topple; N.
♥ grim causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in ♥ overturn turn over; capsize; topple
spite of fear; Ex. grim smile ♥ capsize (of a boat) turn over

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 gyroscope apparatus used to maintain balance, ascer- ♥ notch V-shaped cut in a surface; V.
tain direction, etc.
haughtiness pride; arrogance; ADJ. haughty
♠ habituate accustom or familiarize; addict
♥ haunt (of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind contin-
♠ hackles hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex.
ually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent; Ex. haunted
make someone’s hackles rise
house; Ex. haunted by his last words; N: place much
♥ growl low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog) frequented
hackneyed commonplace; trite ♠ haven place of safety; refuge; harbor; Ex. tax haven
♠ haggard wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the ♥ havoc widespread damage; disorder; chaos
rescued miners
hazardous dangerous
♠ haggle argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
♥ hazard venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess;
♠ halcyon calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days N: possible source of danger
♠ hale healthy
hazy slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light
♥ hail frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate hail mist or smoke; confused state of mind
♠ hallowed blessed; consecrated; Ex. hallowed ground; ♠ headlong hasty; rash; headfirst; ADV.
V. hallow: set apart as holy
♥ headfirst moving with the head leading; headlong
hallucination delusion; false idea; false perception of
objects with a compelling sense of their reality; objects ♠ headstrong willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined
so perceived; V. hallucinate; ADJ. hallucinatory to have one’s own way; CF. no ’excessive’
♠ halting hesitant; faltering; not fluent; Ex. halting ♠ heckler person who verbally harasses others; V. heckle:
steps/voice; V. halt: proceed or act with uncertainty; verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker
fal- ter; hesitate; waver; stop or speech)
♥ waver move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or hedonist one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim
unsteady in decision or movement; Ex. wavering be- in life; CF. hedonism: practice of living one’s life purely
tween accepting and refusing for pleasure
hamper obstruct; prevent the free movement of; N: heedless not noticing; disregarding
d”
¡§¾ _ {Œ ♥ heed pay attention to; N: close attention
4Ÿ¤ 1px ™
 H
¨
♠ hap chance; luck
♠ hegemony dominance especially of one nation over
haphazard random; by chance; happening in an un- others
planned manner; Ex. haphazard growth of the town
♠ heinous atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous
♠ hapless unfortunate; luckless crime
♠ harangue long, passionate, and vehement speech; V. ♥ gross total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people’s behav-
harass annoy by repeated attacks ior) coarse; corpulent; Ex. gross insolence/behavior; V:
earn as a total amount; N: 12 dozens
harbinger forerunner (which foreshadows what is to
come) ♥ helm steering wheel of a ship; position of control
harbor give protection (by giving food and shelter); pro- herbivorous grain-eating; CF. herbivore
vide a refuge for; hide; keep in mind (thoughts or feel-
heresy opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion con-
ings); Ex. harbor a grudge/criminal; N: place of shelter;
trary to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic
refuge
♠ hermetic sealed by fusion so as to be airtight; airtight
♥ habitat natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habita-
tion ♠ hermetic concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and
♠ hardy (of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) mysterious; occult
able to stand inclement(stormy) weather ♥ sterile incapable of producing young; free from mi-
♠ harping tiresome dwelling on a subject; V. harp: dwell croorganism; V. sterilize
on(think or speak a lot about) tediously ♠ hermitage home of a hermit
♠ harrowing agonizing; distressing; traumatic; V. ♠ herpetologist one who studies reptiles; CF. herpetol-
harrow: break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict ogy: branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and am-
great dis- tress on; agonize; N: farming machine to phibians
break up the earth
♠ heterodox(of beliefs) against accepted opinion; un-
harry harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid orthodox; unconventional
heterogeneous dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous;
hatch deck opening; lid covering a deck opening; V: consisting of dissimilar elements or plants
emerge from an egg; produce (young) from an egg
3 N.
hew cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop;
9
 ♠
♥ latch fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that
fits into a notch; V: close with a latch ♠ heyday time of greatest success or power; prime

4
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♥ prime period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or be- homespun domestic; made at home; spun or woven at
ginning stage; Ex. in the prime of life; Ex. prime of the home; simple and ordinary; Ex. homespun philosophy
year(spring); ADJ: first in importance or rank; first; V:
make ready; prepare ♥ spin rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton,
wool, etc.); N.
♥ primary first in rank or importance; principal; earliest
in time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first ♠ homily sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious
warning; ADJ. homiletic
♥ primal first in rank or importance; being first in time;
original; Ex. man’s primal innocence homogeneous of the same kind; uniform in composi-
tion throughout
♥ primate group of mammals including humans
♠ hone sharpen (a tool); N: whetstone for sharpening a
♠ hiatus gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; tool
break
♠ hoodwink deceive; delude
23 ♠ horde crowd; swarm
♠ hibernal wintry; wintery; of or like winter ♥ swarm large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd
of people or animals; V: move in a crowd or mass
hibernate sleep throughout the winter; N. hibernation
♠ hortatory encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhorta-
hierarchy arrangement by rank or standing; authoritar-
tion; CF. exhort
ian body divided into ranks; body of persons having
au- thority ♠ horticultural pertaining to cultivation of gardens; N.
horticulture: science or art of cultivating fruits, vegeta-
♥ totem animal, plant, or natural object serving as a sym-
bles, or ornamental plants; CF. agriculture: science or
bol of a clan or family; representation of this; Ex. totem
art of farming or growing crops
pole
hostility unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile
hieroglyphic picture writing; ADJ.
♠ hovel shack; small wretched house
♠ hilarity boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter); ADJ. hi-
larious: full of laughter ♥ hut crude dwelling; shack
♠ hindmost furthest behind; farthest to the rear ♥ shack crude cabin
♥ wage begin and continue (a war) ♥ shed small roofed structure for storage and shelter;
V: pour forth; lose by natural process; repel with-
hindrance block; obstacle; V. hinder
out allowing penetration; radiate; cast; Ex. shed
♠ hinterlands back country; inner part of a country; OP. tears/light/water/skin/leaves
foreland
♠ hover hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air
♠ hireling one who serves for hire (usually used contemp- in one place; (of people) wait nearby; stay around one
tuously); one who works solely for compensation; Ex. place; waver; be in an uncertain state
hireling politician
♠ hubbub confused uproar; loud noise; din
♠ hirsute hairy; having a lot of hair
♠ hubris arrogance; excessive self-conceit
♠ histrionic theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional;
♠ hue color; aspect; Ex. opinions of every hue
affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic be-
havior ♠ hue and cry outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest;
Ex. hue and cry against the new rule
♥ historic important in history; Ex. historic battle
humane marked by kindness or consideration; kind
♥ historical connected with history; based on events in
and compassionate; humanitarian
history (whether regarded as important or not)
humanitarian one devoted to the promotion of human
♠ hoard stockpile; accumulate for future use; N: supply
welfare; CF. humanism
stored for future use
♠ humdrum dull; monotonous
♠ hoary white with age
♠ hoax trick which makes someone take action; practical humid damp; N. humidity
joke; Ex. hoax mail; V. ♠ humility humbleness of spirit
♠ holocaust destruction by fire; CF. burnt whole; CF. ♥ humble of low rank or position; modest; having a low
Holocaust opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others; unas-
♠ holster leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around suming; not proud; V. humiliate: make humble; cause
the waist) to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others

homage honor; tribute; great respect; Ex. pay/do ♠ hummock small hill; hillock
homage to ♠ humus substance or rich soil formed by decaying veg-
♠ homeostasis tendency of a system or organism to etable matter; CF. soil
maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium; CF. ♠ hurtle crash; rush; move with great speed; Ex. hurtling
homeo-: constant; Ex. homeotherm runaway train

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♠ husband use sparingly; conserve; save; Ex. husband ignite kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to
one’s energy; CF. house holder
♠ ignoble unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble
♠ husbandry frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture; farm- deed
ing; Ex. animal husbandry; CF. husbandman
♠ ignominy deep disgrace; shame or dishonor; ADJ. ig-
hybrid mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize nominious; Ex. ignominous defeat
♥ mongrel plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed; illicit illegal
ADJ.
♠ illimitable infinite; limitless
♥ pedigree line of ancestors; ancestry; lineage; ADJ. (of an
illuminate brighten; clear up or make understandable;
animal) descended from of a chosen family; Ex. pedi-
enlighten; enable to understand; Ex. illuminating re-
gree dog; CF. crane’s foot
marks
♠ hydrophobia fear of water; rabies
illusion misleading vision or visual image; false idea or
♥ rabies disease passed on by the bite of an infected ani- belief; CF. delusion
mal (causing madness and death)
illusive deceiving; based on illusion; causing illusion;
♥ hygiene science and practice of the promotion and deceptive
preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful
illusory illusive; deceptive; not real
attention to cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic
condition imbalance lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion
♠ hyperbole exaggeration; overstatement; ADJ. hyper- ♥ disproportion lack of proportion (between the parts);
bolic: of hyperbole; of a hyperbola ADJ. disproportionate
hypercritical excessively exacting; too critical (without ♠ imbecility weakness of mind; state of being an imbecile;
noticing good qualities) N. imbecile: stupid person; fool
♠ hypochondriac person unduly worried about his imbibe drink in
health; worrier without cause about illness; ADJ. CF. ♠ imbroglio complicated situation (as in a play); painful
hypochondria: neurosis that one is or is becoming ill; or complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entangle-
CF. abdomen ment; confused mass (as of papers); V. embroil
hypocritical pretending to be virtuous; deceiving; N. ♠ imbue saturate(soak thoroughly); fill; Ex. imbue some-
hypocrisy: profession of beliefs one does not possess; one with feelings
CF. hypocrite
hypothetical based on assumptions or hypotheses; sup-
posed; N. hypothesis
24
immaculate spotless; flawless; absolutely clean
♠ ichthyology study of fish; CF. ichthyo-: fish
♥ tenant one that pays rent to use property owned by an-
icon(ikon) religious image; idol; image or representa- other
tion
♥ tenancy possession of land or building by rent; period
♠ iconoclastic attacking cherished traditions; N. icono- of a tenant’s occupancy
clast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who de-
imminent impending; near at hand
stroys sacred images
immobility state of being immovable
ideology system of ideas characteristic of a group or
culture ♠ immolate offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)
♠ idiom expression whose meaning as a whole differs immune resistant to; free or exempt from; N. immunity
from the meanings of its individual words; distinctive
style (of expression); Ex. idiom of the modern popular ♠ immure imprison; shut up in confinement; CF. wall
music; ADJ. idiomatic
immutable unchangeable
idiosyncrasy individual trait usually odd in nature; be-
havioral peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or impair injure; hurt; damage
opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individ- ♠ impale pierce (with a sharp point); Ex. impaled by the
ual or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic spear
♠ idolatry worship of idols; excessive admiration or de- impalpable imperceptible(not easily understood); in-
votion; ADJ. idolatrous tangible; OP. palpable: tangible; easily perceptible
♠ idyllic charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. impartial not biased; fair; N. impartiality
idyl- lic scene
♥ impart grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to im-
♥ idyll(idyl) short poem idealizing rural life; simple part
happy period of life (in the country); scene from such
impassable not able to be traveled or crossed
a time; Ex. idyll of two young lovers
impasse predicament(dangerous condition) from
♠ igneous produced by fire; of fire; volcanic; (of rocks)
which there is no escape; situation allowing for no
formed from lava; Ex. igneous meteorite
further progress

4
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 impassive without feeling; expressionless; imper- implement put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply
turbable; stoical; Ex. impassive face with tools; Ex. implement the plan/suggestion; N: tool
♠ impeach charge (a public official) with crime in office; or instrument
raise doubts about; indict; Ex. impeach a witness’s cred- implicate incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to
ibility be involved (in a crime); Ex. implicate someone in the
♠ impeccable faultless crime
♥ credential evidence concerning one’s authority; written implication something hinted at or suggested; imply-
proof of a person’s position; Ex. The new ambassador ing; implicating
presented his credentials to the court. implicit understood but not stated; implied; unques-
impecunious without money tioning and complete; Ex. implicit trust
impede hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block implode burst inward; CF. vaccum tube
♥ retard delay (in development); ADJ. retarded: (as of a implore beg
child) slower in development
imply suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
impediment hindrance; stumbling-block; speech defect
preventing clear articulation; Ex. speech impediment ♠ impolitic not wise; not expedient; not politic

impel drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge imponderable weightless; that cannot undergo precise
to action evaluation; CF. pound
impending nearing; approaching; about to happen import significance; importance; meaning
impenetrable not able to be pierced or entered; beyond ♥ significant expressing a meaning; important; Ex. sig-
understanding; impossible to understand; Ex. impene- nificant smile; N. significance: importance; meaning; V.
trable mystery signify: denote; mean; signal; make known; matter; be
significant
impenitent not repentant
♠ importunate urging; always demanding; trouble-
imperative absolutely necessary; that must be done;
somely urgent or persistent
critically important; expressing command; Ex. It is im-
perative that; N: something that must be done ♠ importune beg persistently; make repeated requests (in
an annoying way)
imperceptible unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; un-
detectable imposture assuming a false identity; masquerade; CF.
imperial like an emperor; related to an empire; CF. im- impostor
perialism ♥ masquerade wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: cos-
♥ imperil put in danger tume party or ball at which masks are worn; pretense;
disguise
♠ imperious domineering; too commanding; haughty;
CF. imperial/emperor impotent weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength
or power
impermeable impervious; not permitting passage
through its substance; impossible to permeate ♥ crave desire; want intensely
impertinent insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. imperti- ♠ imprecation curse; swearword
nence ♠ impregnable invulnerable; impossible to capture or en-
imperturbable unshakably calm; placid ter by force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take
♥ collected composed; calm; self-possessed
♥ impregnate make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
♠ impervious impenetrable; incapable of being damaged
or distressed; incapable of being affected (in one’s opin- impromptu without previous preparation; off the
ions); Ex. impervious to water/criticism cuff(end of a sleeve); on the spur of the moment
impetuous violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without impropriety improperness; unsuitableness
careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision
improvident thriftless; not providing for the future
impetus moving force; momentum; force of a moving
body; incentive; stimulus; impulse improvise compose on the spur of the moment

impiety irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety imprudent lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious

♠ impinge infringe; encroach; influence; touch; collide impudence impertinence; insolence

with; Ex. The effects are impinging on every aspect of ♠ impugn dispute or contradict (often in an insulting
our lives. way); attack as false or questionable; challenge; gainsay;
impious irreverent CF. fight
implacable incapable of being pacified; impossible to ♠ impuissance powerlessness; feebleness
appease; Ex. implacable enemy impunity freedom from punishment or harm; CF. pun-
implausible unlikely (to be true); unbelievable; Ex. im- ish
plausible alibi
♠ impute attribute; ascribe; charge; N. imputation

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 inadvertently unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly ♠ inchoate (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not ex-
♥ oversee watch over and direct; supervise; N. oversight: plicit; at the beginning of development; rudimentary;
unintentional failure to notice or do something; super- elementary; Ex. inchoate mass
vision incidence rate of occurrence; particular occurrence; Ex.
inalienable not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex. high incidence of infant mortality
inalienable rights incidental not essential; minor; N: something incidental
♠ inane silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity
inanimate lifeless; not animate ♥ incident event; event that causes a crisis

♠ inarticulate speechless; producing indistinct speech; ♥ incinerate burn to ashes

not articulate; not expressing oneself clearly incipient beginning; in an early stage
♥ speechless unable for the moment to speak (because of incisive (appreciatively) cutting; sharp; Ex. incisive re-
strong feeling); Ex. speechless with anger marks; V. incise: make a cut into
inaugurate begin formally; install in office; induct into incite arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist;
office by a formal ceremony; N. inauguration; ADJ. in- Ex. incite a riot/the crowd to rebellion
augural
♠ inclement stormy; unkind; unmerciful; CF. clement
♠ incandescent strikingly bright; shining with intense
heat; emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandes- incline slope; slant; Ex. steep incline
cent light bulb; CF. candle inclined tending or leaning toward; bent; V. incline:
♠ incantation singing or chanting of magic spells; magi- slant; dispose; be disposed; tend
cal formula; (the saying of) words used in magic; CF. ♥ tend have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at;
enchant apply one’s attention; attend
♥ chant tune(melody) in which a number of words are inclusive tending to include all; all-inclusive; Ex. inclu-
sung on the same note; V: sing (a chant); utter (a slogan) sive charge
in the manner of a chant
incognito with identity concealed; using an assumed
♥ charm quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula name; ADJ.
thought to have magical power; spell; V: attract; cast a
spell on; bewitch incoherent unintelligible; muddled; unable to express
one’s thoughts in an orderly manner; illogical; lacking
♥ bewitch cast a spell over; captivate completely cohesion; not coherent
♥ recite repeat aloud (something learned); describe; Ex. incommodious not spacious; inconvenient
recite his complaints; N. recitation
incompatible inharmonious; N. incompatibility
♥ recital act of reciting publicly; detailed account; perfor-
mance of music or dance (by a solo performer) incongruity lack of harmony; absurdity; ADJ. incongru-
ous: lacking in harmony; inappropriate
♠ incapacitate disable; N. incapacity: lack of capacity
♥ attire clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel
incarcerate imprison
inconsequential insignificant; unimportant
incarnate endowed with flesh; invested with bodily
form; personified; Ex. devil incarnate; V: give bodily inconsistency state of being self-contradictory; lack of
form to; embody uniformity or steadiness; ADJ. inconsistent: displaying
a lack of consistency; erratic; contradictory; incompati-
incarnation act of assuming a human body and human ble
nature; one who personifies something; personification;
Ex. previous incarnation/reincarnation incontinent lacking self-restraint; not continent; licen-
tious
♥ personify represent (an inanimate object) as a person;
be the embodiment or perfect example of; Ex. She is incontrovertible indisputable; impossible to dispute;
evil/patience personified; N. personification not open to question; unquestionable

incendiary arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. in- incorporate introduce something into a larger whole;
cendiary bomb include; embody; give material form to; ADJ.

incense enrage; infuriate(make furious); make ex- ♠ incorporeal without a material body; insubstantial
tremely angry; outrage; N: aromatic substance incorrigible uncorrectable
burned to produce a pleasant odor
incredulity tendency to disbelief
incentive spur; motive; something which encourages
one to greater activity incredulous withholding belief; skeptical; showing dis-
belief
inception start; beginning
increment increase
incessant uninterrupted; unceasing
incriminate accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as

25 evidence against; cause to seem or make guilty of a

crime; Ex. incriminating evidence

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♠ incrustation hard coating or crust; V. incrust: encrust; indissoluble permanent; impossible to dissolve or dis-
cover with a crust integrate
incubate hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote indite write; compose
hatching; maintain at optimal environment conditions
for development; be holding in one’s body an infection indolent lazy
which is going to develop into a disease; N. incubation; indomitable unconquerable; unyielding
CF. incubation:disease
♠ indubitable unable to be doubted; which cannot be
♥ inasmuch as since; owing to the fact that doubted; unquestionable
incubus burden; very worriying problem; mental care; induce persuade; lead to do something; bring about; N.
nightmare; male devil; CF. succubus inducement
inculcate teach (ideas or principles); instill inductive pertaining to induction or proceeding from
the specific to the general
incumbent obligatory; imposed as an obligation; cur-
rently holding an office; N: person who holds an office ♥ induct place formally in office; install; admit as a mem-
ber; initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriv-
ing general principles from particular facts
incur bring upon oneself
indulgent humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indul-
incursion temporary invasion; CF. excursion: short gence
journey
♥ indulge yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special plea-
♥ inroad hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quan- sure; Ex. indulge one’s every whim/a child/in a big
tity or difficulty of something; Ex. The long illness made cigarette; N. indulgence
serious inroads on his savings; CF. raid
♥ humor indulge; comply with the wishes of; N. quality
indefatigable tireless; untiring; showing no sign of get- that makes something amusing; state of mind; mood;
ting tired Ex. in a bad humor; Ex. out of humor
indelible not able to be erased industrious diligent; hard-working; N. industry
♠ indemnify make secure against damage or loss; com- ♠ inebriated habitually intoxicated; drunk; N. inebriety
pensate for damage or loss; CF. make uninjured ♥ inebriate make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person
indentation notch; deep recess; V. indent; CF. tooth
♠ indenture bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind ♥ intoxicate make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxi-
by indenture; N: contract binding one party into the ser- cated by all the money he might win
vice of another for a specified time (as between an ap- ♠ ineffable unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that can-
prentice and his master) not be expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable;
indeterminate uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite inexpressible; Ex. ineffable name/joy
indicative suggestive; implying; serving to indicate ineffectual not effective; not having a desired effect;
weak
indices signs; indications; Ex. indices of a student’s po-
tential; CF. index: something that reveals or indicates; ♠ ineluctable irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable
sign; Ex. cost-of-living index inept unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompe-
indict charge; N. indictment tent; CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate

indifferent unmoved or unconcerned by; having no in-

terest in; mediocre; neither good nor bad inequity unfairness; ADJ. inequitable

indigence poverty ♠ inerrancy infallibility

♠ inert inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move
indigenous native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New
or act; Ex. chemically inert; N. inertia: state of being
World
inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state
indigent poor; destitute
inevitable unavoidable
indignation anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indig- ♠ inexorable relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capa-
nation; ADJ. indignant ble of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inex-
♥ righteous morally upright; just orable price rises
♥ rightful legally correct; Ex. rightful owner infallible unerring; never making mistakes
indignity treatment or situation that causes shame or infamous notoriously bad; notorious; well known for
loss of dignity, respect; offensive or insulting treatment; being bad; Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous
humiliating or degrading treatment; Ex. I suffered the act; evil fame or reputation
indignity of having to say that in front of them. infantile childish; infantlike
indiscriminate choosing at random; confused; not infer deduce; conclude; N. inference
based on careful distinctions
♠ infernal pertaining to hell; devilish; N. inferno: place of
indisputable too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt fiery heat or destruction

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♠ infidel unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion) ♠ innuendo indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinua-
tion; Ex. sexual innuendo
infiltrate pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an or- inopportune untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed;
ganization) sneakily; Ex. infiltrate the troops into poorly chosen
enemy territory; CF. infiltrator
♠ inordinate beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; ex-
♥ penetrate enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; cessive; Ex. inordinate demands
grasp the inner significance of; understand
inquisitor questioner (especially harsh); investigator;
infinitesimal very small person making an inquisition
infirmity weakness ♥ inquisitive eager for knowledge; unduly curious
inflated exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or ♠ insalubrious unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalu-
gas) brious place
influx flowing into ♥ healthful conducive to good health; Ex. healthful
infraction violation (of a rule or regulation); breach mountain air
♥ healthy possessing good health; healthful
26 ♥ wholesome conducive to mental or physical health;
infringe violate (a law); encroach (the right of another healthful
person) insatiable not easily satisfied; unquenchable; Ex. insa-
ingenious marked by inventive skill; clever; resource- tiable appetite
ful; N. ingenuity ♠ inscrutable difficult to understand; impenetrable; not
♥ resourceful clever and imaginative (in dealing with dif- readily understood; mysterious
ficult situations); N. resource, resourcefulness ♠ insensate without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
ingenuous naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; ♠ insensible unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive;
candid un- aware; imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his
♥ ingenue inge´ nue; young innocent girl danger/to pain; Ex. insensible change; CF. not the
opposite of sen- sible
ingrained deeply established; firmly rooted; Ex. in-
grained dirt/prejudice ♠ insidious treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spread-
ing harmfully in a stealthy manner; Ex. insidious
ingrate ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)
spreading of dry rot
♠ ingratiate become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor
insightful discerning; perceptive
of another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss
♠ insinuate hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; in-
inherent firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
troduce or insert (oneself) by artful means; Ex. insinuate
inhibit restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent; N. inhibi- himself into the boss’s favor; CF. ingratiate
tion
♥ creep move with body close to the ground; move
♥ inhibited (of a person) unable to express what one re- stealthily or slowly; N.
ally feels
♥ artful exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. arti-
♥ uninhibited having no inhibitions; free in behavior and fice
feelings
♠ insipid lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex. in-
♠ inimical (of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of some- sipid food/character
thing) harmful; detrimental; CF. enemy
insolence impudent disrespect; haughtiness; ADJ. inso-
inimitable matchless; not able to be imitated lent; CF. haughty + rude
iniquitous wicked; immoral; unrighteous; N. iniquity; insolvent bankrupt; lacking money to pay; N. insol-
Ex. den of iniquity vency
initiate begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce insomnia wakefulness; inability to sleep
to a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the
mysteries of a secret religion; N: one who has been initi- ♠ insouciant without concern or care; unconcerned; indif-
ferent
ated
injurious harmful; causing injury ♠ instigate start; urge; provoke; incite; Ex. instigate a
search/quarrel
♠ inkling hint; slight indication
insubordination disobedience; rebelliousness; ADJ. in-
innate inborn subordinate
innocuous harmless insubstantial lacking substance; insignificant; frail; im-
innovation change; something newly introduced; intro- material
duction of something new; V. innovate: begin or intro- ♠ insularity narrow-mindedness; isolation; ADJ. insular:
duce (something new); be creative; ADJ. innovative of an island; isolated; narrow-minded; CF. peninsula

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 insuperable insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insupera- ♠ intrude put or force in without being asked; trespass;
ble difficulties enter as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one’s own
♥ odds chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds opinion into the report; CF. thrust in
are that it will rain. Ex. at odds with intuition immediate insight; power of knowing with-
insurgent rebellious; N. out reasoning; ADJ. intuitive; V. intuit: know by intu-
ition
insurmountable overwhelming; unbeatable; insupera-
ble inundate flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely;
Ex. inundated with work
insurrection rebellion; uprising
♥ overwhelm (of water) cover completely; defeat com-
intangible not able to be perceived by touch; vague pletely by much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief
integral complete; necessary for completeness; Ex. inte-
gral part ♥ submerge place under water; dip; go under water;
integrate make whole; combine; make into one unit cover completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in
work
integrity honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of be-
ing whole and undivided; completeness ♥ engulf surround and swallow up

♥ upright (sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral ♠ inured accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the
Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something unde-
intellect higher mental powers; person of great intellec- sirable; harden; CF. unfeeling
tual ability
invalidate weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
intelligentsia intellectuals; members of the educated
elite (often used derogatorily) ♥ invalid one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness;
ADJ: incapacitated by illness; not valid; null; V: allow to
inter bury; N. interment leave (a military force) because of ill-health
♥ cemetery place for burying the dead invective abuse
interdict prohibit; forbid; N. ♠ inveigh denounce; utter censure or invective; Ex. in-
interim meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place veigh against the evils of drink
during an interim; Ex. interim paper ♠ inveigle deceive; lead astray by deception; whee-
♠ interloper intruder; one who interferes dle(cajole); Ex. inveigle her into joining the club; CF.
interest dishonestly
interminable endless
inverse opposite
intermittent periodic; on and off; stopping and starting
invert turn upside down or inside out; reverse the posi-
at intervals
tion or condition of
internecine mutually destructive
♠ interpolate insert between 27
♠ interregnum period between two successive reigns or inveterate deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old
governments ♠ invidious designed to create ill will or envy; tending to
♠ interrogate question closely; cross-examine; cross- rouse ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison
question invincible unconquerable
intervene come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to ♠ inviolable secure from corruption, attack, or viola-
prevent a fight; N. intervention tion(or profanation); unassailable; Ex. inviolable
♠ intimate hint; suggest; imply; ADJ: marked by close oath/rights; N. inviolability
relationship; familiar; private; personal; Ex. intimate ♠ invocation prayer for help (used in invoking); calling
knowledge/thoughts in the diary; N: close friend or upon as a reference or support; act of invoking
confidant; CF. intimacy
♠ invoke call and bring into use (a right or law); call
intimidate frighten; N. intimidation on/upon (a higher power or god) for help; ask for; beg
intractable unruly; difficult to manage; Ex. intractable for; conjure (a spirit); Ex. invoke the veto power; Ex.
problem/child invoke one’s advisor/God

intransigence refusal of any compromise; stubborn- invulnerable incapable of injury; impossible to damage
ness; ADJ. intransigent: uncompromising or injure

intrepid fearless iota very small quantity

intrinsic essential; inherent; built-in ♠ irascible irritable; easily angered

♠ introspective looking within oneself; N. introspection: ♠ irate angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath
self-examination ♠ iridescent exhibiting rainbowlike colors; Ex. iridescent
introvert one who is introspective or inclined to think oil slick; N. iridescence
more about oneself; ADJ. introverted irksome annoying; tedious; V. irk: annoy

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 ironic expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and ♠ jettison throw overboard (from a ship or plane)
contrary manner
♠ jibe agree; be in harmony with; gibe
♠ irony hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem
to mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of jingoist extremely aggressive and militant patriot; war-
words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning like chauvinist; N. jingoism: extreme nationalism
irreconcilable impossible to reconcile; incompatible; ♠ jocose given to(having a tendency of) joking
not able to be resolved ♠ jocular said or done in jest or playfully; marked by jok-
irrefutable indisputable; incontrovertible; undeniable ing
irrelevant not applicable; unrelated ♥ jest playful remark or act; V. act or speak playfully
irremediable incurable; uncorrectable; impossible to ♠ jocund merry
remedy ♠ jollity gaiety; cheerfulness; ADJ. jolly: merry; gay
irreparable not able to be corrected or repaired; impos-
♠ jostle shove; bump; push against (someone) rather
sible to repair
roughly; Ex. jostled by the crowds
irrepressible unable to be restrained or held back; im-
♥ shove push forward; push roughly; Ex. pushing and
possible to hold back
shoving to get on the bus; N.
irreproachable beyond reproach; blameless; impecca-
♥ bump hit or knock against with force; N.
ble; Ex. irreproachable conduct
irresolute uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolu- ♠ jovial good-natured; merry; cheerful
tion; indecisive; N. irresolution jubilation rejoicing; great joy
♥ indecisive marked by indecision; inconclusive; Ex. in- judicious sound on judgment; wise
decisive battle
♠ juggernaut irresistible crushing force; overwhelming
♥ indecision irresolution; inability to make up one’s mind advancing force that crushes everything in its path
♥ jug pitcher; container for holding liquids
irretrievable impossible to recover or regain; CF. re-
trieve ♠ juncture crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of
joining
irreverence lack of proper respect or reverence; ADJ. ir-
reverent ♠ junket trip especially one taken for pleasure by an offi-
cial at public expense
irrevocable unalterable; irreversible; impossible to re-
voke ♠ junta group of persons joined in political intrigue; ca-
bal; group of military officers ruling a country after seiz-
isotope varying from of an element ing power (by force)
♠ isthmus narrow neck of land connecting two larger ♠ jurisprudence science of law
bodies of land
♥ jurisdiction right and power to apply the law; authority
♠ itinerant wandering; traveling from place to place (to
perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher
♥ juridical of the law and its administration; CF. judicial:
♠ itinerary plan of a trip; record of a trip
of courts of law; CF. judiciary
♠ jabber chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
♠ juxtapose place side by side; CF. next
♥ jab poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with
short blows ♠ kaleidoscope tube in which patterns made by the reflec-
tion in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc. produce in-
♠ jaded tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; sur- teresting symmetrical effects; series of changing events;
feited; worn out; wearied; Ex. jaded appetite Ex. kaleidoscope of European history; CF. beautiful
jargon language used by special group; technical termi- ♠ ken range of knowledge; Ex. beyond one’s ken
nology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk
kernel central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)
♠ jaundiced yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or re-
sentful) from long and disappointing experience of hu-
man affairs; Ex. with a jaundiced eye ♠ killjoy grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils
the pleasure of others
♥ jaundice medical condition in which the skin, the white
part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow; V: affect with jaundice; ♥ grouch bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps
affect with prejudice, envy, or hostility; bias complaining; V: complain; grumble
♠ jaunt trip; short journey ♥ spoilsport one who spoils the pleasure of others
♠ jaunty cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; an- kindle start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse
imated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance; Ex. ♠ kindred related; belonging to the same group; similar in
jaunty person/hat nature or character; Ex. kindred languages; N: relative;
jeopardize endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy: kin; kinship
danger kinetic producing motion; of motion

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♠ kismet fate; destiny; Ex. Kismet is the Arabic word for ♠ laity laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with
fate. the clergy
♠ kleptomaniac person who has a compulsive desire to ♥ layman man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofes-
steal sional
♠ knave untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack; N. lament grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation
knavery
♠ lampoon ridicule; N: written attack ridiculing or satiriz-
♠ knead mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform ing a person, group, or institution
mass (with the hands); Ex. knead dough
♠ lancet small surgical tool for making incisions
♠ knell tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral,
disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell; V. ♥ lance pierce with a lance; cut into; N: spearlike weapon

♥ toll sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals; N: languid lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; list-
sound of a bell; fixed tax or charge less

♥ curfew regulation requiring all people to leave the languish lose animation or strength
streets at stated times; signal (as a bell) announcing the languor lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; de-
hour of a curfew pression
♠ knit contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together ♠ lank long and thin; Ex. Lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln
closely; make (a fabric or garment) by interwining yarn
or thread; Ex. knit the brow; Ex. The bones should knit ♠ lap take in food or drink with one’s tongue; splash gen-
tly; Ex. waves lapping the shore; N: front area from the
together in a few weeks.
waist to the knees of a seated person
♥ crochet make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread
♠ larceny theft; Ex. petit larceny
with a hooked needle; N. CF. crotchet
♠ knoll little round hill; hillock ♠ larder pantry; place where food is kept
♠ largess generous gift (given to people who do not have
♠ knotty intricate; difficult; tangled; CF. knot
enough)
♠ kudos honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional
lascivious lustful
achievement
♥ lust intense sexual desire; intense eagerness; V.
♥ entourage group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround
♠ lassitude languor; weariness; listlessness
♠ labile likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile;
N. lability latent present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant;
laborious demanding much work or care; tedious hidden; N. latency; CF. potential

labyrinth maze lateral of or coming from the side

♠ latitude freedom from narrow limitations
♠ laceration torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the
skin as with broken glass); wound laud praise; N. ADJ. laudable: praiseworthy; ADJ.
♥ rip tear or be torn quickly and violently; Ex. The sail laudatory: expressing praise
ripped under the force of the wind; N. ♠ lavish liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving
♥ rag scrap of cloth; ADJ. ragged: old and torn; or using; abundant; profuse; great; Ex. decorated lav-
seeming unfinished and imperfect; Ex. ragged de- ishly; V. give in abundance
but/performance ♠ lax careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex.
lax service
♠ lachrymose producing tears; tearful
♠ leaven add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; en-
♠ lackadaisical lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose
liven; N: agent, such as yeast, that causes dough to rise
or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
(by fermentation); element that lightens or enlivens
♥ halfhearted exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm
♥ enliven make lively or spirited; animate
♠ lackluster lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
lechery gross lewdness; lustfulness; ADJ. lecherous; N.
♠ laconic brief and to the point; using few words; terse lecher: lecherous man
♠ laggard slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler ♠ lectern reading desk or stand for a public speaker
♥ lag move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag be- ♠ leery (of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious
hind the rest; N.
♠ leeway room to move; margin; latitude; Ex. leeway for
♥ straggle stray or fall behind (a main group); spread the deadline
out in a scattered group; Ex. straggling marathon racer;
♥ margin border; room; allowance beyond what is
Ex. straggling branch
needed; Ex. margin of safety

28 ♥ marginal of a margin; barely within a limit;

marginal effect/writing ability
Ex.

♠ lagoon shallow body of water or lake near a sea; lake

legacy gift made by a will; something handed down
separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs
from an ancestor

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 legend explanatory list of symbols on a map ♥ abide dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; toler-
♠ legerdemain sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of ate; Ex. abide by the rules; Ex. I can’t abide rude people.
hand
leniency mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not ♠ limn draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?
severe in judgment or punishment ♠ limpid crystal clear
♥ permissive allowing much freedom; lenient; Ex. per- lineage descent; ancestry
missive society
♠ lineaments features especially of the face; distinctive
leonine like a lion shape or contour of the face; CF. line
lethal deadly ♥ feature distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or
mouth); features: overall appearance of the face; promi-
lethargic drowsy; dull; N. lethargy: state of sluggish- nent or distinctive quality; prominent article; film; V:
ness and inactivity make prominent
♠ levee earthen or stone embankment to prevent flood- ♥ linger loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going;
ing; CF. raise continue or persist; be slow to disappear; Ex. The smell
♠ levitate rise and float in the air (especially by magical lingered for days.
means); CF. light ♥ persist continue in existence; last; continue in a course
levity lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; light- of action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with
ness of manner something; ADJ. persistent
♠ levy impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or col- linguistic pertaining to language
lect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco ♥ lionize treat (a person) as a celebrity
lewd lustful ♥ liquidate settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up;
♠ lexicographer compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicogra- eliminate; kill or abolish
phy: work of compiling a dictionary ♥ list tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)
♠ lexicon dictionary listless lacking in spirit or energy; languid
♠ liability drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; ♠ litany supplicatory prayer; prayer in which the priest
respon- sibility; condition of being liable; ADJ. liable: calls out and the people replies in the same words
likely; re- sponsible (for paying) ♠ lithe flexible; supple; CF. limber
liaison contact that keeps parties in communication; ♥ willowy flexible; pliant; slender; CF. willow
communication between groups; one that maintains
communication; go-between; secret love affair; V. liaise: ♠ litigation lawsuit; N. litigant: one party in a lawsuit; V.
keep a connection litigate
♠ litotes understatement for emphasis; Ex. “not
libel defamatory written statement; act of writing
bad(=pretty good)”
something that smears a person’s character; V. ADJ. li-
belous ♥ understate state with less truth than seems warranted
by the facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the
♠ libertine debauched person; dissolute or licentious per-
crime; N. understatement; OP. overstate
son; roue´ ; CF. free
♠ livid lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise);
♥ roue lecherous man ashen; enraged; extremely angry
´
♥ abode dwelling place; home
libidinous lustful
♠ libido psychic and emotional energy or urges behind
human activity; sexual desire
♠ libretto text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book
licentious amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
♥ license official or legal permission; latitude of action or
speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage;
V.
♠ lien legal claim or right on a property
♠ ligneous like wood
♠ lilliputian extremely small; CF. Lilliput in Gulliver
’s
Travels
♠ limber flexible; supple; pliable; V.
♠ limbo region near heaven or hell where certain souls
are kept; prison (slang); Ex. Purgatory and Limbo
5
0
♠ loath reluctant; unwilling; disinclined; Ex. Romeo and
Juliet were both loath for him to go.
loathe detest; ADJ. loathsome: arousing loathing; offen-
sive; Ex. loathsome smell
♠ lode metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
lofty very high
♥ loft room or space under the roof; attic
log record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day
activities; section of a trunk; V.
loiter hang about/around; stand idly about; linger
♠ loll lounge about
♥ lounge stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
longevity long life; long duration
♠ loom appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, in-
distinct, or distorted form); Ex. The shadow of the gal-
lows loomed threateningly. N: apparatus for making
thread into cloth

5
1
♥ gallows framework from which a noose is suspended ♠ macerate soften by soaking in liquid; waste away; Ex.
(used for execution by hanging) macerate powdered wood to make paper
♥ noose loop formed in a rope ♠ Machiavellian crafty; double-dealing; of the political
♠ lope gallop slowly doctrine of Machiavelli, which holds that craft and de-
ceit are justified in pursuing political power
loquacious talkative; N. loquacity
♠ machinations evil schemes or plots; schemes or plots to

29 achieve an evil end; V. machinate

♠ maculated spotted; stained; CF. immaculate
♠ lout clumsy person; ADJ. loutish; CF. from countrysides
? ♠ madrigal pastoral song; song for several singers with-
out instruments
♠ low moo; make the sound of a cow
♠ maelstrom violent whirlpool; violent or tublent situa-
♥ lubricate apply a lubricant to; N. lubricant: substance tion; CF. stream
that reduces friction
♠ magisterialauthoritative; imperious; commanding; of
lucid easily understood; clear; intelligible; N. lucidity a magistrate; Ex. magisterial study of Roman law; Ex.
lucrative profitable; producing wealth magisterial manner

♠ lucre money; profit; Ex. filthy lucre ♥ magistrate official with power to administer the law

♥ filth dirty matter; ADJ. filthy magnanimity generosity; ADJ. magnanimous: gener-
ous
♠ ludicrous laughable; ridiculous; trifling
♠ magnate person of prominence or influence; powerful
♠ lugubrious mournful; sorrowful or influential person (in business or industry); Ex. oil
♠ lull moment of calm; period of reduced activity; Ex. a magnate
lull in the rain; V: cause to become less active; cause to magniloquent boastful; pompous
sleep or rest; Ex. lull the opponents into a false sense of
security; CF. lullaby magnitude greatness (in size or extent); extent
♠ lumber move heavily or clumsily; Ex. The bear lum- ♠ maim mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple; Ex.
bered through the woods; N: timber maimed for life
♠ lumen unit of light energy (one candle’s worth) ♥ mangle tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure; Ex.
badly mangled bodies
♠ luminary celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object
that gives light (as a celestial body) maladroit clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling
♥ dignitary person of high rank or position malady illness
♠ luminous shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex. ♠ malaise uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health (without
luminous paint/road signs any particular pain or appearance of disease)
lunar pertaining to the moon ♠ malapropism comic misuse of a word; CF. Mrs.
♥ lunatic insane; Ex. lunatic asylum Malaprop

♠ lurid wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex. ♥ malapropos inappropriate; ADV.
lurid details of the murder malcontent person dissatisfied with existing state of af-
♠ lurk stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived fairs; discontented person; ADJ: discontented

♥ slink move furtively; ADJ. slinky: stealthy; furtive; malediction curse

sneaky (as in ambush) malefactor evildoer; criminal
♠ luscious pleasing to taste or smell; delicious ♥ maleficient doing evil; N. maleficience
♠ luster shine; gloss (of a polished surface) malevolent wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevo-
♠ lustrous shining; brilliant; Ex. lustrous hair lence

♠ luxuriant abundant; growing healthily and in large ♠ malfeasance wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public offi-
amounts; excessively ornate; rich and splendid; fertile; cial)
Ex. luxuriant forests/prose; CF. luxurious, luxuriate malicious hateful; spiteful; expressing malice; N. mal-
♠ macabre gruesome; grisly; ghastly; CF. of death ice: desire to harm others; spite
♥ morgue mortuary; place where bodies are kept before malign speak evil of; bad-mouth(criticize spitefully);
burial or cremation defame; ADJ: harmful; Ex. malign influence
♥ cremate incinerate (a corpse); N. crematory, cremato- malignant tending to cause death; highly injurious; ag-
rium gressively malevolent; Ex. malignant tumor
♠ mace ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority; malingerer one who feigns illness to escape duty; V.
clublike medieval weapon malinger: feign illness to avoid work

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2
♠ malleable (of a metal) capable of being shaped by ♥ enlist (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help,
pounding(beating); pliable; (of someone) impression- sympathy, or support)
able(easily influenced); easily controlled; tractable
♠ marsupial one of a family of mammals that nurse their
malodorous foul-smelling offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather); CF. kan-
♥ compost mixture of decaying organic matter used as garoo, opossum, wombat
fertilizer; V: put or make compost martial warlike; of war; Ex. martial art/law
mammal vertebrate animal whose female suckles its ♥ cadet student at a military school
young
♠ martinet strict disciplinarian; person who demands to-
♥ vertebrate having a backbone or spinal column; N: tal obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet
group of animals having a segmented spinal column
martyr one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her
♥ suckle give or take milk at the breast or udder religion or cause; great sufferer; Ex. martyr to his
♥ nurse suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind; rheumatism
Ex. nursing mother; Ex. nurse a hope/grudge against masochist person who enjoys his own pain; CF.
someone masochism
mammoth gigantic; enormous ♠ masticate chew
manacle restrain; handcuff; N. materialism preoccupation with physical comforts and
♠ mandate order; charge; authoritative command; power things; excessive regard for worldly concerns (rather
to govern another country; power to given to a govern- than spiritual matters)
ment; region under administration; V: give a mandate maternal motherly; N. maternity: motherhood
to; place under a mandate; Ex. mandated territory
matriarch woman who rules a family or larger social
mandatory obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate group
♠ mangy shabby; wretched; suffering from mange; of bad ♠ matriculate enroll (in college or graduate school); CF.
appearance matrix
♥ mange skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked ♠ matrix point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic
by loss of hair symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civi-
maniacal raging mad; insane; N. maniac: insane per- lization
son; CF. mania: disorder of the mind; intense enthusi-
♠ maudlin effusively sentimental
asm
♥ sentimental swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sen-
manifest evident; visible; obvious; V: show plainly
timents
♠ manifestation outward demonstration; manifesting; in-
♠ maul handle roughly; batter; injure by beating; Ex.
dication of the presence of something; Ex. manifestation
mauled by his overexcited fans; N: heavy long-handled
of his pronounced musical bent
hammer
♥ pronounced distinct; very noticeable; Ex. pronounced
limp 30
manifesto public declaration of principles; statement of ♠ mausoleum monumental tomb; large stately tomb; CF.
policy Mausolos
♠ manifold many in number or kind; numerous; varied ♠ mauve pale purple
♠ manipulate operate with one’s hands; control or play ♠ maverick rebel; nonconformist (in a group)
upon (people, forces, etc.) artfully; maneuver; Ex. how
to manipulate publicity and men; ADJ. manipulative ♠ mawkish mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky-sticky
sentimental; excessively and objectionably sentimental
♠ mannered affected; not natural; Ex. mannered way of
speech
maxim proverb; truth pithily stated
♥ mannerism distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in
art (according to a set of styles) ♠ mayhem injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or
crippling a person; violent disorder; Ex. mayhem in the
♠ manumit emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
zoo; CF. maim
marital pertaining to marriage
meager scanty; inadequate
♠ maritime bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical; of
♠ mealymouthed indirect in speech (when something un-
the ships or the sea; Ex. Maritime Provinces
pleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive
marked noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack; Ex.
♠ meander wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or
marked improvement/man
turning course; move aimlessly and idly
♠ marred damaged; disfigured; V. mar: spoil; disfigure
♠ meddlesome interfering; V. meddle: interfere
♠ marshal put in order; guide ceremoniously to the cor-
mediate settle a dispute through the services of an out-
rect place; Ex. marshal the children into the museum;
sider; act as an intermediary; produce by mediating; Ex.
N: military officer; official
mediate a cease-fire

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♥ intermediary intermediate; acting as a mediator; N: me- ♠ metallurgical pertaining to the art of removing metals
diator; go-between from ores; N. metallurgy: science that deals with ex-
mediocre ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor tracting metals from ores
bad metamorphosis change of form; Ex. metamorphosis of
meditation reflection; thought; V. meditate caterpillar to butterfly; V. metamorphose: change by
metamorphosis
medium element that is a creature’s natural environ-
ment; nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cul- metaphor implied comparison; CF. simile
tivated; appropriate occupation or means of expression; ♥ soar rise or fly high in the air; Ex. The rocket soared into
channel of communication; compromise; middle posi- the sky.
tion between extremes; intervening substance through
metaphysical pertaining to speculative philosophy; of
which something else is transmitted
metaphysics; N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy
♠ medley mixture that examines the nature of reality
♠ meek submissive; patient and long-suffering ♠ mete measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out jus-
♥ suitor man who is courting a woman tice/punishment

♠ megalomania mania for doing grandiose things; mental meteoric like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant; Ex.
disorder characterized by delusions of wealth, power, meteoric rise to fame; N. meteor
or importance methodical systematic; N. method: systematic method
of procedure
melancholy gloomy; morose; blue; N. ADJ. melan-
cholic; CF. melancholia meticulous excessively careful (with great attention to
detail); painstaking; scrupulous
♥ blue gloomy; depressed
metropolis large city
melee fight
♠ mettle courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficul-
♠ mellifluous (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly
ties); spirit; ADJ. mettlesome
flowing; melodious; having a pleasant tune
♠ miasma swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often
♠ memento token; reminder of the past; keepsake; Ex. emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting
memento of your visit influence; noxious atmosphere or influence
memorialize commemorate ♥ swamp wetland; marsh; V: flood; overwhelm; drench
♥ memorial something, such as a monument or holiday, in with liquid
intended to honor the memory of a person or event; microcosm small representative world; world in minia-
ADJ: commemorative ture; Ex. microcosm of English society
♠ menagerie collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo ♥ miniature small model; small painting; ADJ: small
migrant changing its habitat; wandering; Ex. migrant
♠ mendacious lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity birds/workers; N: one that migrates
♠ mendicant beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar migratory wandering; V. migrate: move from one re-
♥ alms money or goods given to the poor gion and settle in another; move periodically from one
region to another
♠ menial suitable for servants; lowly; mean; N: someone
who does menial work (esp. servant in a house) ♠ milieu social environment; means of expression; Ex.
feel out of one’s milieu; Ex. His proper milieu is wa-
♠ mentor counselor; teacher tercolor.
♠ mercantile concerning trade or merchants militant combative; bellicose; N.
mercenary motivated solely by money or gain; N. ♠ militate work against; Ex. militate against the chances
♠ mercurial capricious; quick and changing; fickle; con- of promotion; CF. serve as a soldier
taining the element mercury; Ex. mercurial temper; CF. ♥ militia army composed of ordinary citizens rather than
mood professional soldiers
♥ quicksilver mercury millennium thousand-year period (as in the New Tes-
♠ meretricious flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface tament); hoped-for period of happiness and prosperity
but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel;
CF. prostitute mimicry imitation
♥ vulgar of the common people; deficient in refinement; ♥ mime pantomime(act without dialogue); mimicry;
not refined; coarse; Ex. vulgar display of wealth; N. mimer; V: mimic; pantomime
vulgarism: vulgarity; crudely indecent word; CF. vul-
♠ minatory menacing; threatening
garian: vulgar person; boor; lout
♠ mincing affectedly dainty(delicate); V. mince: cut (esp.
♠ merger combination (of two business corporations); act
meat) into very small pieces; walk with exaggerated
of merging
primness; walk in an unnatural way, taking little short
♠ mesmerize hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mes- steps; Ex. The actor minced across the stage; CF. mince-
mer meat; CF. mincer

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♥ dainty delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious; not easy mobile movable; not fixed; N. mobility
to please; Ex. dainty movement/dress
♠ mock ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision
♥ exquisite delicate; very finely made; extremely beauti-
ful; Ex. exquisite piece of jewelry mode prevailing style; current fashion; manner; way of
doing something; Ex. in the latest mode; Ex. simple
♥ choice delicate; of very fine quality mode of life
♠ minion servile dependent; obsequious follower ♠ modicum limited quantity; small amount; Ex. He does
♠ minuscule(miniscule) extremely small not have a modicum of sense; CF. moderate
minute extremely small; CF. minutes: official record of ♠ modish fashionable; conforming to the current fashion
the proceedings at a meeting ♠ modulate tone down in intensity; change the intensity
♠ minutiae petty or trivial details; CF. minutia or tone of; regulate; change from one musical key to an-
other; Ex. modulate from E to G
mirage unreal reflection; optical illusion
♠ mogul powerful person; Ex. oil moguls; CF. Mogol,
♠ mire entangle; stick in swampy ground; stick or sink in
Moghul; CF. Mongolian
mire; N: bog; deep mud; Ex. sucked deeper into the
mire molecule the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a
substance that has all the properties of that substance
♠ mirth merriment; laughter
♠ mollify soothe an angry person
♠ misadventure mischance; ill luck; Ex. death by misad-
venture ♠ mollycoddle pamper; coddle; baby; indulge exces-
sively
misanthrope one who hates mankind; misanthropist
♠ molt(moult) periodically shed or cast off hairs or feath-
♥ vile despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander
ers (for replacement by a new growth)
♠ molten melted; Ex. molten lava
misapprehension error; misunderstanding; V. misap-
prehend momentous very important; N. moment; CF. momen-
tary
miscellany mixture of writings on various subjects; col-
lection of various items momentum quantity of motion of a moving body; im-
petus; moving force
♥ miscellaneous made up of a variety of parts
monarchy government under a single ruler
♠ mischance ill luck
monastic related to monks or monasteries; removed
misconstrue interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; mis-
from worldly concerns
judge
monetary pertaining to money
♠ miscreant wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to
the miscreant; CF. believe monochromatic having only one color
♥ wretch miserable person; bad or despicable person; ♥ monochrome painting in only one color; ADJ.
ADJ. wretched: miserable; bad; contemptible; vile
♥ monogram design composed of one or more initials of
misdemeanor minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing a name; V.
♥ misconduct immoral behavior; bad management; V. ♥ monograph scholarly article
miserly stingy; mean ♠ monolithic solidly uniform; unchangeable; unyielding;
♠ misgivings doubts N. monolith: large block of stone

♠ mishap unfortunate accident monotheism belief in one God

♠ misnomer wrong or improper name; incorrect monotony sameness leading to boredom; monotonous-
designa- tion ness; ADJ. monotonous; CF. monotone
♠ monumental massive; impressively large; built as a
31 monument
misogamy hatred of marriage ♠ moodiness fits of depression or gloom; ADJ. moody:
given to changeable moods; subject to periods of de-
misogynist hater of woman; CF. misogyny pression; gloomy CF. mood: state of mind or emotion
missile object to be thrown or projected
♠ missive letter; written statement; CF. sent ♠ moratorium legal delay of payment or action; Ex. de-
clare moratorium on the building of new houses
♠ mite very small object or insect-like creature; small coin
♠ morbid given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought;
moody; characteristic of disease; Ex. morbid curiosity;
mitigate appease; moderate; make or become less in
N. morbidity; CF. disease
force or intensity
♠ mordant biting; sarcastic; stinging; (apprec.) incisive;
♠ mnemonic pertaining to memory; assisting the mem-
cutting; Ex. mordant pen/wit
ory; N: device, such as as formula or rhyme, used as
a mnemonic aid ♠ mores conventions; moral standards; moral customs

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♠ moribund dying; at the point of death; CF. death ♠ muster gather; assemble (troops); Ex. muster up one’s
♠ morose ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy strength for the ordeal; N.
♠ mortician undertaker; CF. death ♠ musty stale (in odor or taste); spoiled by age; CF. moist
♥ undertaker funeral director; one whose business is to mutablility ability to change in form; fickleness; ADJ.
arrange burials mutable: able to change; fickle; CF. mutate; CF. mutant
♠ mortify humiliate by embarassing excessively; shame; muted silent; muffled; toned down; Ex. muted traffic
punish the flesh; discipline (one’s body) by self-denial; noise
Ex. mortified by her blunder; Ex. mortify the flesh; CF. ♥ mute silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to
cause to die speak; N: one who is incapable of speech; V: soften the
mosaic picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles; ADJ. sound, color, shade of
♠ mote small speck (esp. of dust) ♠ mutilate maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb or an
essential part
♥ speck small piece or mark; Ex. speck of dust in the eye
♠ mutinous unruly; rebellious; Ex. mutinous teenagers;
♠ motif theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical N. mutiny: open rebellion; CF. mutineer
or literary work; single or repeated pattern; figure
♠ myopic nearsighted; lacking foresight; N. myopia
♠ motility ability to move spontaneously; ADJ. motile:
moving spontaneously ♠ myriad very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand

♠ motley multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester); ♠ nadir lowest point; point on the celestial sphere diamet-
mixed; heterogeneous; CF. jester: one who jests (as a rically opposite the zenith
paid fool at medieval courts) naivete´ (naivety) quality of being unsophisticated;
♥ motto brief statement used to express a principle sim- plicity; artlessness; gullibility; ADJ. naive(na¨ıve):
ingen- uous; lacking worldliness; simple; credulous
♠ mottled blotched in coloring; spotted; Ex. mottled face;
V. mottle: mark with blotches of different colors narcissist conceited person; N. narcissism; CF. narcissus

♥ blotch spot; blot; CF. blot+botch

narrative related to telling a story; N: narrated account;
♥ blemish mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw story; V. narrate: tell (a story); CF. narration
or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the
crystal; CF. unblemished ♠ nascent incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex.
nascent ability in music
♠ mountebank charlatan; boastful pretender
♥ peddle travel about selling (wares); CF. foot 32
♠ muddle confuse; mix up confusedly; N: state of confu- natation swimming
sion
♠ natty neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex.
♠ muggy (of weather) warm and damp natty dresser
♠ mulct defraud a person of something; swindle; Ex. ♥ smart intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable; Ex.
mulct the boy of his legacy smart pace/restaurant; V: cause or feel a sharp pain; N:
♠ multifarious varied; greatly diversified; Ex. multifari- smarting pain
ous activities nauseate cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nau-
multiform having many forms sea
multilingual having many languages; fluent in several ♥ nausea feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust;
languages CF. seasickness
multiplicity state of being numerous or multiple; large ♥ nauseous causing nausea; feeling nausea
number; Ex. multiplicity of details; ADJ. multiple: of nautical pertaining to ships or navigation
more than one element
♠ navigable (of a body of water) wide and deep enough to
♠ mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of allow ships to pass through; (of a ship or aircraft) able
the ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world to be steered
♠ munificent very generous in giving; Ex. munificent ♠ nebulous vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebu-
benefactor; N. munificience lous proposal
♠ mural wall painting ♥ nebula diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy
♠ murky dark and gloomy; thick with fog; vague; Ex. ♠ necromancy black magic; sorcery; dealings with the
murky night/fog; N. murk: partial or complete dark- dead; art that professes to communicate with the spirits
ness; gloom of the dead so as to predict the future; CF. necromancer;
♠ muse ponder at length; N: source of inspiration (esp. of CF. necro+divination; CF. necro-: death; Ex. necropolis
a poet) ♠ nefarious very wicked
♠ musky having the odor of musk; N. musk: odorous negate cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny;
substance secreted by an Asian deer N. negation

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 negligence neglect; failure to take reasonable care; ADJ. ♠ nonchalance indifference; lack of concern; composure;
negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care ADJ. nonchalant: unconcerned; cool; indifferent; Ex.
negligible so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be nonchalant attitude to his debts
easily disregarded noncommittal neutral; refusing commitment to a par-
nemesis someone seeking revenge; source of downfall ticular opinion; unpledged; undecided
or ruin; CF. Nemesis ♠ nondescript undistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking;
♠ neologism new or newly coined word or phrase Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd
nonentity person of no importance; nonexistence
♠ neophyte recent convert; new member of a religious
group; beginner; CF. plant ♠ nonplus put at a loss; bring to a halt by confusion; per-
plex; CF. no more
♠ nepotism favoritism (to a relative); CF. nephew
nostalgia homesickness; longing for the past; Ex. nos-
♥ favoritism display of partiality toward a favored
talgia for the clothes of 1920s; ADJ. nostalgic
person
♠ nostrum questionable medicine; quack medicine; CF.
our (remedy)
♠ nether lower; Ex. nether garments/regions
notable conspicuous; worthy of note; remarkable; im-
♠ nettle irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome portant; distinguished; noted
♠ nexus connection notoriety disrepute; ill fame
♠ nib beak(bill); pen point ♥ nova star that suddenly becomes much brighter and
♠ nicety precision; accuracy; minute distinction or differ- then returns to its original brightness
ence; Ex. to a nicety: exactly; precisely; Ex. distinguish ♠ novelty something new; newness; ADJ. novel: new;
between niceties original
♠ niggardly meanly stingy; parsimonious; N. niggard: novice beginner
stingy person
noxious harmful; CF. obnoxious
♠ niggle spend too much time on minor points (esp.
♠ nuance shade of slight difference in meaning or color;
when finding fault); find fault; Ex. niggle over details;
subtle distinction
ADJ. niggling
♥ shade slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of
♠ nihilist one who considers traditional beliefs to be color; Ex. shades of meaning/grey
groundless and existence meaningless; absolute skeptic;
revolutionary terrorist; CF. nihilism: belief that nothing ♥ gradation series of gradual stages; degree in such a pro-
has meaning or value; belief that destruction of existing gression
political or social institutions is necessary for future im- ♠ nubile marriageable; of marriageable age; CF. connu-
provement bial
♠ nip snip off; stop something’s growth or development; ♠ nugatory worthless; futile
bite; make numb with cold; Ex. nip the plan; Ex. A
guard dog nipped the postman; Ex. fingers nipped by nullify make invalid; make null; invalidate
the extreme chill ♠ numismatist person who collects coins; N. numismat-
ics: study or collection of money, coins, and medals
♥ snip short quick cut with scissors; V: cut with scissors
♠ nuptial related to marriage or the wedding ceremony;
♥ pinch squeeze between the thumb and a finger, or
N. nuptials: wedding ceremony
other edges; Ex. I had to pinch myself to make sure I
wasn’t dreaming. N: amount that can be held ♠ nurture nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is
between the thumb and a finger growing or developing; foster; cultivate; N: something
that nourishes; rearing
♠ nirvana in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which
the individual loses himself in the attainment of an im- ♠ nutrient nourishing substance; ADJ: providing nourish-
personal beatitude ment
♥ impersonal not being a person; not showing personal ♥ nutrition process of nourishing or being nourished; CF.
feelings; Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization malnutrition

nocturnal done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal ani- ♥ nutritious providing nourishment
mals/raids; CF. nocturne ♥ nourish provide with food necessary for life and
♠ noisome foul smelling; very unpleasant; unwholesome growth
♥ nourishment something that nourishes; food
nomadic wandering; N. nomad: tribe who migrates
from place to place ♠ oaf stupid awkward person; CF. elf
nomenclature terminology(system of specialized obdurate stubborn; refusing to change one’s belief
words); system of names or naming things obeisance bow (to show respect and obedience)
nominal in name only; of a name; trifling; (of a sum of obelisk tall column tapering(becoming gradually nar-
money) very small; CF. nominate: propose as a candi- rower toward the end) and ending in a pyramid
date; appoint
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 obese excessively fat; N. obesity occult mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human
♠ obfuscate confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare
needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult oculist physician who specializes in treatment of the
to understand eyes
♠ obituary death notice (esp. in a newspaper); ADJ. ♠ odious arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred);
objective not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim vile
obligatory binding; required; compulsory; V. oblige: ♠ odium detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness;
constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)
oblique indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpen- ♠ odoriferous giving off an odor
dicular or from a straight line); Ex. oblique reference
odorous having an odor
obliterate destroy completely; wipe out; Ex. obliterate
♠ odyssey long, eventful, adventurous journey
the village
oblivion obscurity; condition of being completely for- offensive attacking; insulting; distasteful; V. offend: vi-
gotten; forgetfulness olate; hurt the feelings of; N. offense: offending; vio-
lating of a moral or social code; crime; attack; Ex. first
♠ oblivious inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly offense
absorbed; forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)
offhand casual; done without prior thought or prepara-
obloquy slander; disgrace; infamy tion
♠ obnoxious offensive; disagreeable; Ex. obnoxious smell ♠ officious meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering
one’s services; overly eager in offering unwanted ser-
obscure dark; vague; unclear; not well known; Ex. ob- vices or advices; Ex. officious bellboy
scure meaning/village; V: darken; cover; make unclear; ♥ pushy disagreeably aggressive
Ex. obscure the moon/meaning
♠ ogle look at amorously; make eyes at; Ex. old men
obsequious slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile ogling young girls
compliance; sycophantic
♠ olfactory concerning the sense of smell
♥ slavish of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality;
copied very closely; Ex. slavish devotion/copy of the oligarchy government by a privileged few
original ominous threatening; of an evil omen
obsequy funeral ceremony
♥ threat sign or warning (of coming danger); Ex. threat
obsessive related to thinking about something con- of rain; V: express a threat; give warning of (something
stantly; of an obsession; preoccupying; N. obsession: bad); Ex. The cloud threatens rain.
compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea; compul-
omnipotent all-powerful; having unlimited power
sive idea; V. obsess: preoccupy the mind of excessively
omnipresent universally present; ubiquitous
obsidian black volcanic rock omniscient all-knowing
♥ scion detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant omnivorous eating both plant and animal food; devour-
ing everything

33 ♠ onerous burdensome
♠ onomatopoeia words formed in imitation of natural
obsolete outmoded; no longer used sounds
obstetrician physician specializing in delivery(assisting ♥ rustle make slight sounds like silk moving or being
in giving birth) of babies; N. obstetrics; CF. midwife rubbed together
obstinate stubborn; hard to control or treat; Ex. obsti-
onslaught vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected
nate cough; N. obstinacy
onslaught of the enemy
obstreperous boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
♥ slaughter killing of animals for food; massacre; V:
♠ obtrude push (oneself or one’s ideas) forward or in- butcher (animals) for food; kill in large numbers
trude; impose (oneself or one’s ideas) on others; butt
♠ onus burden; responsibility
in; stick out or extrude; thrust out; Ex. obtrude A on
B; ADJ. obtrusive; N. obtrusion; CF. unobtrusive ♥ spare give; use; refrain from harming; save from expe-
obtuse blunt; not sharp; stupid; slow in understanding riencing; exempt; Ex. spare me 5 minutes; Ex. Take this
money and spare my life; Ex. The emperor was spared
obviate make unnecessary; get rid of; Ex. obviate the the onus; ADJ: kept in reserve; free for other use; unoc-
need cupied; Ex. spare time
Occident the West ♠ opalescent iridescent; lustrous; like an opal; N. opales-
♠ occlude shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded cence
an artery. opaque dark; not transparent; N. opacity

5
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 opiate medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain; some- oscillate vibrate pendulumlike; waver
thing that relieves emotions or causes inaction; sleep-
producing drug containing opium ♠ osseous made of bone; bony

opportune timely; well-chosen ♠ ossify change or harden into bone; become hard and
unchanging in one’s ideas
opportunist individual who sacrifices principles for ex-
pediency by taking advantage of circumstances; N. op- ostensible apparent; appearing as such; pro-
portunism fessed(pretended); pretended; Ex. ostensible purpose
of the expedition
♠ opprobrium infamy; disgrace arising from shameful
conduct; vilification(slander); scorn; contempt; Ex. op- ♥ apparent evident; easily seen or understood; appearing
probrium hurled against him; ADJ. opprobrious: ex- as such; Ex. apparent improvement
pressing contempt; shameful or infamous ♠ ostentatious showy; trying to attract attention; preten-
optician maker and seller of eyeglasses tious; N. ostentation: showy display
optimist person who looks on the bright side; N. opti- ♠ ostracize banish from a group; exclude from public fa-
mism vor; ban; Ex. His friends ostracized him. N. ostracism
optimum most favorable; optimal; N: most favorable
condition ♥ blackball vote against (an applicant); ostracize; N: neg-
ative vote
optional not compulsory; left to one’s choice; N. option:
act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose; ♠ oust expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting
something available as a choice; Ex. have no option; Ex.
outlandish bizzare; peculiar; unconventional
two options
outmoded no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish;
optometrist one who fits glasses to remedy visual de-
old-fashioned
fects
opulence extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance; ♠ outskirts fringes; outer borders (as of a city); Ex. out-
ADJ. opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant skirts of Boston

♠ opus work (esp. musical composition); Ex. magnum outspoken candid; blunt
opus: masterpiece; CF. opera ♥ blunt having a dull edge; abrupt and frank in speech or
♠ oracular of an oracle; prophetic; uttered as if with di- manner; brusque; V: make or become blunt
vine authority; mysterious or ambiguous; hard to un- ♠ outstrip outrun; surpass; outdo
derstand; N. oracle: wiser person; prophecy made by
an oracle outwit outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly

orator public speaker ♠ ovation enthusiastic applause

oratorio dramatic poem set to music; long musical work overbearing bossy; domineering and arrogant; deci-
with singing but without acting; CF. cantata sively important; Ex. overbearing manner/importance;
V. overbear: dominate
♠ ordain decree or command; grant holy orders; predes-
tine; install as a minister, priest, or rabbi; N. ordainment; overt open to view; public; not secret; CF. covert
CF. ordination ♠ overweening arrogant; presumptuous
ordeal severe trial or affliction; difficult experience;
trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction 34
ordinance decree; authoritative order ♠ overwrought nervous or excited; extremely agitated;
♠ ordination ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony hysterical; wrought-up; CF. wrought: made or done
of ordaining a priest
♥ hysteria excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hys-
♠ orgy wild drunken revelry; unrestrained indulgence in teric: person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: at-
an activity; Ex. orgy of shopping tack of hysteria
orient get one’s bearings; adjust; make familiar with a ovoid egg-shaped; CF. ovum; CF. ovulate
situation; orientate
pachyderm thick-skinned animal
orientation act of finding oneself in society; orienting
pacifist one opposed to force; antimilitarist; ADJ. N.
♠ orifice mouthlike opening; small opening (esp. to a cav- pacifism: opposition to war as a means of resolving dis-
ern or passage of the body); CF. mouth putes
ornate excessively or elaborately decorated pacify soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace
♠ ornithologist scientific student of birds; N. ornithology: to
scientific study of birds ♠ paean song of praise or joy; Ex. paeans celebrating the
orthodox traditional; (of someone) conservative in be- victory
lief; adhering to an established doctrine ♠ painstaking taking pains; showing hard work; taking
♠ orthography correct spelling; CF. ortho-: straight; cor- great care; very careful and through
rect; Ex. orthodontics ♠ palatable agreeable; pleasing to the taste

5
9
♠ palate roof of the mouth; sense of the taste ♥ parallel similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel
♠ palatial of or suitable for a palace; magnificent line; person or thing that is parallel (to another); simi-
larity; Ex. know of no parallel to the case; Ex. without
♠ paleontology study of prehistoric life or fossils; CF. parallel; V: be similar to; make parallel; Ex. Your experi-
paleo-: ancient or prehistoric; Ex. paleography: study ence parallels mine; CF. unparalleled
of ancient written documents
♠ parameter limit; independent variable; Ex. parameters
palette board on which painter mixes pig-
of the problem; Ex. within the parameters of the budget
ments(coloring matters)
♠ palimpsest parchment or piece of writing material used
paramount foremost in importance; supreme; CF. para-:
for second time after original writing has been erased
beyond; above; Ex. paranormal
♥ parchment writing material made from the skin of a
sheep or goat paramour illicit lover

♠ pall become boring; grow tiresome ♥ inamorata woman whom a man loves

♠ pallet small poor bed; Ex. straw pallet paranoia psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or
persecution; N: ADJ: paranoid, paranoiac
♠ palliate ease pain (without curing); make less severe or
offensive (a crime or illness) paraphernalia equipment; odds and ends used in a par-
ticular activity; personal belongings; Ex. photographic
♠ pallid pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion
paraphernalia; CF. married woman’s property
palpable tangible; (of something bad) easily percepti- exclusive of her dowry
ble; obvious; Ex. palpable blunder
♥ dowry money or property brought by a bride to her
♠ palpitate throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble; Ex. Her husband at marriage
heart began to palpitate.
paraphrase restate a passage in one’s own words while
♥ throb (of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently; retaining thought of author; N: restatement of a text in
N. Ex. hearthrob: heartbeat; sweetheart other words
♠ paltry insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible; Ex. parasite animal or plant living on another; toady; syco-
paltry sum; CF. trash phant; CF. para-: beside
♠ pan criticize harshly ♥ infest inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful;
panacea cure-all; remedy for all diseases Ex. Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters
♠ panache flair; manner of doing things without any dif- ♠ parched extremely dry; very thirsty; V. parch: make or
ficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)
feathers (on a helmet); Ex. with great panache; CF. ♠ pariah social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah
ïß–
–Ð … ;` ¦ S?/ H 5Åu} ♥ outcast one that has been excluded from a society; ADJ.
pandemic widespread; affecting the majority of people;
N: pandemic disease; CF. all people parity equality; close resemblance; CF. disparate
pandemonium wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy ♠ parlance language; manner of speaking; idiom; Ex. in
disorder; CF. Paradise Lost legal/common parlance
♠ pander cater to (the low desires of others) ♠ parley conference (between opponents); CF. speak
♥ cater provide food and drink (for); cater to: try to satisfy ♠ parochial narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; re-
(desires of a bad kind) lated to parishes
♠ panegyric formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don’t deserve ♥ parish area in the care of a single priest and served by
such panegyrics. one main church
panoramic denoting an unobstructed and comprehen- ♥ outlook point of view; view from a particular place; ex-
sive view; N. panorama: unbroken view of a wide area pectation for the future; prospect; Ex. outlook on life;
Ex. pleasing outlook; Ex. weather outlook
pantomime acting without dialogue; V. parody humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.
papyrus ancient paper made from stem of papyrus
♥ spoof parody
plant
♥ takeoff burlesque; act of leaving the ground
♠ parable short simple story teaching a moral
paradigm model; example that serves as a model; pat- paroxysm fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden
tern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word outburst

paradox something apparently contradictory in nature ♠ parquet floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic
(that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks like matter; CF. strip: long narrow piece
false but is actually correct parry ward off a blow; deflect; Ex. He parried the un-
paragon model of perfection; Ex. paragon of virtue welcome question very skillfully; N. CF. Œ•}
H  H >h¥Æ s _”
parallelism state of being parallel; similarity; analogy
6
0
♥ ward administrative division of a city; division in a hos- pedagogue teacher; CF. child leader
pital or prison; incompetent person placed under the
protection of a guardian; V: guard; ward off: avert pedagogy teaching; art of education

parsimony stinginess; excessive frugality; ADJ. parsi- ♠ pedant scholar who overemphasizes book learning,
monious trivial details of learning, or technicalities

partial incomplete; favoring one side over another; hav- ♠ pedantic bookish; showing off learning; marked by an
ing a liking for something excessive ostentatious concern for book learning; N.
pedantry
partiality state of being partial; inclination; favorable
bias; special fondness; preference ♥ bookish fond of books and reading

♠ partisan one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party ♥ studious given to diligent study

(with dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a ♠ pedestrian ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in
party; guerrilla imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.
♥ parvenu upstart; newly rich person
partition divide into parts ♥ precinct division of a city for election or police pur-
poses; precincts: space that surrounds a building; Ex.
♠ passe old-fashioned; past the prime precincts of the college
´
passive not active; acted upon; receiving an action with- ♥ pedigree ancestry; lineage
out acting in return; accepting without resistance
pediatrician physician specializing in children’s dis-
♠ pastiche imitation of another ’s style in musical compo- eases; N. pediatrics
sition or in writing; work of art openly imitating the
peerless having no equal; incomparable
works of other artists
♥ peer one who has equal standing with another; noble-
pastoral rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor
man; V: look intently; N. peerage; CF. peeress
patent obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read;
♠ pejorative (of a word or phrase) suggesting that some-
of or protected by a patent; Ex. patent to everyone; N.
one is of little value; negative in connotation; having
pathetic causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching a belittling effect; Ex. Many women now considers
“housewife” a pejorative expression, because it patron-
♥ touching causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pa-
ized them.
thetic; V. touch: cause to feel pity or sympathy; ADJ.
touched ♠ pell-mell in confusion; disorderly; Ex. dash pell-mell
pathological pertaining to disease; N. pathology: study ♠ pellucid transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in
of disease meaning; easy to understand
♠ pathos tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature ♠ penance self-imposed punishment for sin; Ex. do
that produces these feelings; Ex. pathos that runs penance for one’s sins; CF. penitent
through the novel ♠ penchant strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for
♠ patina green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone something that is disapproved of by other people); Ex.
slowly taken by varnished painting penchant for fast cars
♥ varnish paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film; pendant(pendent) hanging down from something;
glossy coating produced by using this substance; Ex. pending; N: ornament (hanging from a necklace etc.)
nail varnish; V.
♥ pending not yet decided or settled; impending; Ex.
♠ patois local or provincial dialect pending decision; PREP. while awaiting; until; Ex. delay
the decision pending his return
patriarch father and ruler of a family or tribe
♠ pendulous hanging; suspended
♠ patrician noble; aristocratic; N: person of high rank;
aristocrat; CF. member of the governing classes in an- ♥ suspend cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in
cient Rome; CF. plebian abeyance; defer; hang from above; exclude for a period
from a position; Ex. suspended state; Ex. suspend judg-
patronize support; act superior toward; treat in a con-
ment; Ex. suspended from the team; N. suspension
descending manner; be a customer of; N. patron: one
that supports; regular customer; N. patronage; CF. boy- ♥ suspense state of being undecided; anxiety or appre-
cott hension resulting from uncertainty
paucity scarcity; dearth penitent repentant; N.
pauper very poor person ♠ pensive dreamily or deeply thoughtful; sadly thought-
ful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness; contemplative;
♠ peccadillo slight offense or fault; CF. sin
CF. think over
♥ swipe hit with a sweeping motion; N.
♠ penumbra partial shadow (in an eclipse); CF. almost

35
shadow
penury extreme poverty; stinginess; ADJ. penurious:
pecuniary pertaining to money very poor; stingy
6
1
♠ peon landless agricultural worker; bond servant; me- ♠ personable attractive (in personality or appearance)
nial worker; N. peonage
perspicacious (of someone) having insight; penetrating;
perceptive insightful; showing a good ability at perceiv- astute
ing and understanding; aware; wise; of perception
perspicuity clearness of expression; freedom from am-
♠ percussion striking one object against another sharply; biguity
Ex. percussion instrument; N: striking together of two
bodies; sound caused by percussion perspicuous (of something) plainly expressed; easy to
understand; Ex. perspicuous comments
♠ perdition damnation; complete ruin; hell
♠ pert (esp. of a girl or young woman) impertinent; for-
♥ damn condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlast- ward; trim; jaunty; Ex. pert young miss/hat
ing punishment; doom; bring to ruin; N. damnation
♥ forward presumptuous or bold
♥ doom condemnation to a severe penalty; ruin; fate (esp.
a tragic or ruinous one); V. pertinacious holding tenaciously to an action; stub-
born; persistent
peregrination journey; V. peregrinate
pertinent suitable; to the point; relevant
♠ peremptory demanding and leaving no choice; impera-
tive; Ex. peremptory decree/knock perturb disturb greatly

perennial something long-lasting; perennial plant; ADJ: ♠ peruse read through with care; N. perusal
lasting through the year or many years; lasting for a pervasive spread throughout; V. pervade: (of smells,
long time; enduring ideas, feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate
perfidious treacherous; disloyal; N. perfidy: treachery ♠ perverse purposely continuing to do something wrong;
perforate pierce; put a hole through stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted; directed away
from what is right; wicked and unacceptable; Ex. per-
perfunctory done routinely and with little care; superfi- verse satisfaction; Ex. Hannibal Lecter in a perverse
cial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; mood; N. perversity
Ex. perfunctory kiss
perversion corruption; turning from right to wrong
perigee point of moon’s orbit when it is nearest the
earth; CF. apogee ♥ pervert corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse; Ex.
perverted sexual desire/scientific knowledge; N: per-
perimeter outer boundary; length of the outer bound- son whose sexual behavior is not natural
ary; circumference
♥ wrongheaded stubbornly wrong
♥ bound leap or spring; limit or confine; constitute the
limit of; Ex. bounded by Canada; N: leap or jumping; pessimism belief that life is basically bad or evil;
boundary; ADJ: certain; having a duty to do something gloominess; tendency to take the gloomiest possible
(legally or morally); confined by bonds; Ex. We are view of a situation; ADJ. pessimistic
bound to be late; Ex. I am bound to say my opinion; ♠ pestilential(pestilent) causing plague; tending to cause
CF. bounce, rebound death; baneful; N. pestilence: fatal epidemic disease
♠ peripatetic walking about from place to place (to work); (esp. bubonic plague)
moving; Ex. peripatetic school of philosophy ♠ pestle tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard
♠ peripheral of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor im- bowl or mortar
portance; not central; Ex. peripheral nerve/interest ♥ mortar vessel in which substances are crushed with a
♠ periphery outside edge especially of a round surface; pestle
perimeter; Ex. periphery of the town ♥ mash crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of
perjury false testimony while under oath; V. perjure ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl
oneself: testify falsely under oath ♠ petrify turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or
permeable that can be permeated; penetrable; porous; paralyze
allowing liquids or gas to pass through; V. permeate: petty trivial; unimportant; very small; small-minded;
spread or flow throughout; charge petty-minded
♠ pernicious very harmful; deadly; very destructive; Ex. ♠ petulant touchy; peevish; ill-tempered
pernicious effect/anemia
♥ phalanx formation of infantry carrying overlapping
♠ peroration conclusion of an oration; perorating; V. shields and long spears; group of men packed together
per- orate: conclude a speech; speak at great length (for attack or defense)
♠ perpetrate commit an offense; do (something wrong) ♠ pharisaical pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid
perpetual everlasting scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypo-
critical
perpetuate make perpetual; make something last for a
long time; preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity ♥ pharisee Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group
that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law
♠ perquisite(perk) any gain above stipulated salary; Ex. (considering themselves very holy); hypocritical self-
perquisites such as free meals and a car righteous person

6
2
♥ self-righteous sure of one’s own righteousness; moral- ♥ tart sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic; Ex.
istic tart apple/reply
♠ phenomena observable facts; subjects of scientific in- ♥ sour having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-
vestigation; SG. phenomenon: observable fact; very un- tempered; V.
usual person, thing, or event; marvel; wonder; CF. phe-
nomenons; ADJ. phenomenal: very unusual; extraordi- pique irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg.
nary; of a phenomenon; Ex. phenomenal strength loss in a contest); V: provoke; arouse; annoy; cause to
feel resentment; Ex. pique her curiosity
philanderer faithless lover; flirt
♠ piscatorial pertaining to fishing; CF. Pisces

36 pitfall hidden danger; concealed trap

philanthropist lover of mankind; doer of good; N. phi- ♥ beware be cautious (of)

lanthropy ♠ pith core or marrow; spongelike substance in the center
♠ philatelist stamp-collector; N. philately: stamp of stems; essence; substance
collect- ing ♥ marrow soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and
♠ philistine narrow-minded person, uncultured and ex- is the source of blood cells
clusively interested in material gain; uncultured person pithy concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty
who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; mem-
ber of an ancient people in Palestine; OP. aesthete ♠ pittance small amount (of money); small allowance or
wage
♠ philology study of language or words
pivotal of a pivot; central; critical; crucial
♠ phlegmatic calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed;
CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory placate pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease
tract ♠ placebo harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill
phobia morbid fear
phoenix symbol of immortality or rebirth; Ex. phoenix ♥ tablet small round piece of medicine; flat piece of stone
rising from its ashes or metal bearing an inscription; Ex. stone tablet on the
wall
♠ phylum major classification, second to kingdom, of
plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom placid peaceful; calm; Ex. placid child/lake
and above a class; division ♠ plagiarize steal another ’s ideas or writings and pass
♠ physiognomy face (as showing the character and the them off as one’s own; Ex. ideas plagiarized from my
mind); art of judging human character from facial fea- article; N. plagiarism; CF. kidnap
tures ♠ plaintive expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive
♠ physiological pertaining to the science of the function song
of living organisms; N. physiology ♠ plait braid; interwine; interweave strands or lengths of;
♠ piebald of different colors; mottled; spotted in make by weaving strands together; Ex. plaited hair; N:
different colors (esp. in black and white); Ex. piebald braided length as of hair o fabric; CF. pigtail, ponytail
horse; CF. pie+bald ♠ plasticity ability to be molded; ADJ. plastic: capable of
♠ piecemeal one part at a time; gradually; in stages; Ex. being shaped or molded; Ex. plastic material such as
read a novel piecemeal clay

♠ pied piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored platitude trite remark; commonplace statement; ADJ.
platitudinous
piety devoutness; reverence for God; ADJ. pious
♥ commonplace ordinary; N: something ordinary or com-
♠ pigment coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed mon; trite remark
with water or oil)
♥ commonwealth nation governed by the people; repub-
pillage plunder lic; people of a nation
pillory punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; platonic purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual
subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N. desire
♠ pine long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; de- ♠ plaudit praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession
cline or series) of applause; ADJ. plauditory; CF. applaud
♠ pinion restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or plausible conceivably true; having a show of truth but
legs; N: bird’s wing open to doubt; specious
pinnacle peak; highest point; acme; Ex. pinnacle of ♠ plebeian common; vulgar; pertaining to the common
fame people; N: common people in ancient Rome; CF. patri-
pious devout; religious; N. piety cian
♠ piquant pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimu- ♥ plebiscite direct vote by the entire electorate (on an im-
lating; Ex. piquant situation when my old enemy asked portant issue)
for my help ♥ referendum direct vote by all the people

6
3
♠ plenary (of power) complete; full; fully attended by all ♠ ponderous having great weight; weighty; unwieldy;
qualified members; Ex. plenary power lacking lightness; dull; Ex. ponderous body/style of
♠ plenitude abundance; plenty; great amount; complete- writing
ness; fullness; CF. plenary, plenty ♠ pontifical pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or
♠ plethora excess; overabundance; Ex. a plethora of ex- pretentious; CF. pontiff: pope; bishop
cuses ♠ pore study industriously; ponder; scrutinize; Ex. pore
pliable flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable over the book; N.
pliant flexible; easily influenced porous full of pores; like a sieve
plight difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad ♥ interstice narrow space between things
state or condition); predicament
portend foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N.
♠ pluck courage; V: pull off or out; pull out the hair or portent: sign; omen; forewarning
feathers of; ADJ. plucky: courageous; brave
♥ soothsayer one who foretells the future
♠ plumage feathers of a bird;
♠ portly stout; corpulent
♥ plume feather, esp. large or showy one; something that
♥ stout rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute;
rises into the air (like the shape of a feather); Ex. plume
determined; strong in determination; Ex. stout
of smoke: !Q$Á ½¨2£§
stick/supporter
♠ plumb exactly vertical; N: weight on the end of a line;
♠ poseur person who pretends to be sophisticated, ele-
V: examine very carefully or critically in order to un-
gant, etc., to impress others; person who poses; CF. pose
derstand; measure depth (by sounding); Ex. plumb the
depth of
♥ plumber one who installs and repairs pipes and plumb- ♥ pose assume a particular posture; put forward; present;
ing(pipes) affect a particular attitude (to impress others); Ex. pose
a threat; N.
♠ plummet fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock
prices plummeted. ♠ posterity descendants; future generations; Ex. go down
to posterity; CF. posterior, anterior
plutocracy society ruled by the wealthy
♠ posthumous after death (as of child born after father ’s
podiatrist doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chi- death or book published after author ’s death); com-
ropodist; N. podiatrics ing or occurring after one’s death; Ex. posthumous
podium pedestal; raised platform fame/novel

♥ pedestal support or base as for a pillar or statue ♥ postmortem autopsy; ADJ: occurring after death; of a
postmortem
♠ poignancy quality of being deeply moving; keenness of
emotion; ADJ. poignant: touching; deeply moving; (of ♠ postulate self-evident truth; something assumed with-
sorrow, grief, etc.) painful; keenly distressing to the out proof; V: assume the truth of (as a basis of an argu-
mind; Ex. poignant memory/anxiety; CF. prick ment)
♠ polarize split into opposite extremes or camps ♠ posture assume an affected pose; act artificially; N:
pose; attitude
♥ polarity state of having two opposite qualities
♠ potable suitable for drinking; drinkable
♥ polar of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes; Ex.
polar opposites potent powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influ-
ential
♥ camp group sharing a common cause or opinion
♠ potentate monarch; sovereign
♠ polemic attack or defense of an opinion; controversy
or refutation; argument in support of point of view; potential expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for
N. polemics: art of debate or controversy growth
♠ polemical(polemic) aggressive in verbal attack; dispu- potion dose (of liquids); liquid dose
tatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)
♠ potpourri heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of
politic prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a
devised room)
polity (particular form of) political organization; form ♠ poultice soothing application applied to sore and in-
of government of nation or state; Ex. student polity flamed portions of the body
polygamist one who has more than one spouse at a practicable feasible
time; CF. bigamy; CF. polyandry
practical based on experience; of or acquired through
polyglot speaking several languages; multilingual; Ex. practice (rather than theory); useful; Ex. practical man
polyglot person/society; N.
pragmatic practical (as opposed to idealistic); con-
pomposity self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed cerned with practical worth or impact of something; Ex.
shirt(pompous person); ADJ. pompous: self-important pragmatic test of the skill

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 pragmatist practical person; N. pragmatism: pragmatic ♠ preempt prevent in advance; head off(forestall); fore-
way of dealing with things stall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before oth-
♥ prance move about in a spirited manner (proudly and ers; supplant; take the place of; displace; Ex. preempt
confidently) any attempts; ADJ. preemptive

♠ prate talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly ♠ preen make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-
satisfaction or pride; (of a bird) smooth or clean (feath-
♠ prattle talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate ers) with the beak; Ex. preen oneself on; CF. prune
♥ idle not working; not employed or busy; lazy; without prefatory introductory; of a preface
purpose; useless; lacking substance; baseless; not based ♠ prehensile capable of grasping or holding (esp. by
on truth; Ex. idle worker; Ex. talk idly; V. wrapping around); Ex. prehensile tails
preamble introductory statement ♠ prelate church dignitary; priest of high position in the
♠ precarious unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; church (esp. bishop)
Ex. precarious living prelude introduction; introductory performance or
precedent something preceding in time which may be event; forerunner
used as an authority or guide for future action; V. pre- premeditate plan in advance; Ex. premeditated murder
cede; CF. unprecedented
precedent preceding (in time, rank, etc.) premise assumption; postulate; proposition upon
which an argument is based
37 premonition forewarning; presentiment; foreboding
precept practical rule guiding conduct; Ex. mother ’s premonitory serving to warn
precept preponderance superiority of power, quantity, etc.; V.
precipice cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or impor-
the precipice tance; ADJ. preponderant
preposterous absurd; completely unreasonable; ridicu-
♥ brink edge (at the top of a cliff); Ex. on the brink of the
lous
Grand Canyon
prerogative privilege; unquestionable right; CF. ask be-
precipitant something that causes a substance in a fore
chemical solution to separate out in solid form;
gË>„ ]j; OP. solvent presage foretell; be a warning or sign of; N: presenti-
ment; foreboding; omen
precipitate hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten;
cause to happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or ♠ prescience ability to foretell the future; knowledge of
snow; cause (a solid substance) to be separated from a actions before they occur; ADJ. prescient
solution; ADJ. hasty; rash; premature; sudden presentiment premonition; foreboding; feeling some-
thing will happen; anticipatory fear
precipitous steep; overhasty; precipitate
prestige respect or admiration; impression produced by
♠ pre´ cis abstract; concise summing up of main
achievements or reputation; ADJ: causing admiration;
points;
ADJ. prestigious: having prestige
concise summary of a text
♠ presumptuous going beyond what is right; excessively
precise exact forward; arrogant; taking liberties
preclude make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate ♥ presume take for granted; assume; act overconfidently;
precocious advanced in development; N. precocity take liberties; presume on/upon: take unfair advantage
of (someone’s kindness or connection); N. presumption
precursor forerunner; predecessor
predator predatory animal or bird; predatory person; ♠ pretentious ostentatious; showy; pompous; making un-
creature that seizes and devours another animal; person justified claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films
who robs or exploits others; ADJ. predatory: living by that claim to be art
preying on other organisms; plundering; N. predation
♥ pretend feign; pretend to: claim to possess; make pre-
predecessor former occupant of a post tensions to; Ex. I don’t pretend to much expertise; N.
pretense
predetermine determine in advance; predestine; settle
or decide beforehand; influence markedly ♥ pretension pretentiousness; claim (without founda-
tion); Ex. I make no pretensions to skill as an artist.
predicament difficult situation; tricky or dangerous sit-
uation; dilemma ♠ preternatural beyond what is normal in nature; super-
natural; Ex. preternatural strength/forces
♠ predilection preference; partiality
pretext excuse
♠ predispose give an inclination toward (in advance);
♠ prevail be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; pre-
make susceptible to; Ex. predispose people to certain
vail on: persuade; induce; Ex. Justice has prevailed; Ex.
cancer; N. predisposition
prevail on someone to do something
preeminent outstanding; superior
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 prevalent widespread; generally accepted ♠ progeny children; offspring; descendants
♠ prevaricate lie; hide the truth (by equivocating) prognosis forecasted course of a disease; prediction; CF.
prey target of a hunt; victim; V: hunt and eat as prey; prognostic
victimize; Ex. Cats prey on mice. prognosticate predict (according to present indications)
♠ prim proper to the point of affectation; very precise and
formal; exceedingly proper prohibitive so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tend-
♠ primogeniture seniority by birth; state of being the first- ing to prevent the purchase or use of something; pro-
born child; right of the eldest child (to inherit the entire hibiting; inclined to prevent or forbid; Ex. prohibitive
property of one or both parents) tax
primordial existing at the beginning (of time); rudimen- projectile missile; fired or thrown object (such as stone
tary or bullet)
♠ primp groom oneself with care; adorn oneself proletarian member of the working class; blue collar
guy; N. proletariat: working class (who have to work
♠ pristine unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; charac- for wages)
teristic of earlier times; primitive; Ex. an old book in
pristine condition proliferate grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multi-
ply; N. proliferation
♠ privation lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life;
hardship; want; CF. deprive prolific producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fer-
tile; fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant
♠ privy secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in works; Ex. prolific writer
something secret; Ex. privy chamber government; Ex.
be privy to a discussion; CF. private ♠ prolixity tedious wordiness; verbosity; ADJ. prolix:
wordy; verbose; diffuse
probe explore with a probe or tools; investigate; N: slen-
der instrument used to explore a wound or body cav- prologue introduction (to a poem or play)
ity; device designed to investigate an unknown region; ♥ feud bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two
thorough investigation; Ex. space probe peoples or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feu-
probity uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility dal, feudalism
♥ defalcate embezzle prolong lengthen; extend; draw out
♠ problematic causing a problem; open to doubt; doubt- prominent protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; no-
ful; unsettled; questionable; Ex. Whether the arena will table; eminent
ever be completed is problematic.
♠ promiscuous mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate;
proclivity inclination; natural tendency (esp. towards not choosing carefully; indiscriminate in the choice
something bad) of sexual partners; irregular, particularly sexually; Ex.
promiscuous life/girl; N. promiscuity
procrastinate postpone; delay or put off
promontory headland
procurement obtaining; V. procure: obtain by effort; ob-
tain (a prostitute) for another ♠ promote advance in rank; advance; help to flourish;
advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or pop-
♠ prod poke (with a pointed object); stir up; urge; goad to
ularize; Ex. Milk promotes health; Ex. promote a
action; N: pointed object used to prod; prodding
match/bill; Ex. promote a new product
prodigal wasteful; reckless with money; profuse; Ex. a
mind prodigal of ideas; N. prodigality ♠ prompt cause; urge; provoke; provide a cue (for an ac-
tor); ADJ: done without delay; done at the right time;
prodigious enormous; marvelous; extraordinary; Ex. punctual; on time; N: reminder or cue
prodigious amount/memory
♥ cue word or signal (as in a play to prompt another ac-
prodigy highly gifted child; person with exceptional tor ’s speech or entrance); reminder or hint; V: give a cue
talents; marvel; wonder to
profane violate; desecrate (something holy); treat un- ♠ promulgate announce; proclaim a doctrine or law;
worthily; be profane for; ADJ: secular; nonreligious; ir- make known by official publication
reverent for holy things
prone inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with
♠ profligate wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly im- the front downward; Ex. prone to disease/make mis-
moral; dissolute; N: profligate person; N. profligacy takes; Ex. accident-prone
profound deep; not superficial; complete; Ex. profound propagate increase in number by producing young;
thinker/remark/silence/deafness; N. profundity multiply; spread; Ex. Most plants propagate by seed;
profusion great amount; plenty; overabundance; ex- Ex. newspaper propagating their ideas
cess; lavish expenditure; Ex. profusion of choices; ADJ. propellant(propellent) substance which propels or
profuse: plentiful; copious; giving or given abundantly; drives forward (such as an explosive charge or a rocket
extravagant fuel)
progenitor ancestor propensity natural inclination

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 prophetic of a prophet or prophecy; having to do with prote´ person receiving protection and support from a
predicting the future; N. prophecy; V. prophesy; N. ge´
prophet patron
♠ protocol diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette
prophylactic used to prevent disease; N: something observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its
prophylactic; condom; N. prophylaxis: prevention of ratification; Ex. Protocol demands that the queen meet
disease him at the airport.
♠ propinquity nearness (in space or relationship); prox- prototype original work used as a model by others
imity; kinship
protract prolong; lengthen in time; draw out
♠ propitiate appease; conciliate; make peaceful; ADJ. pro-
protrude stick out; jut; project; Ex. protruding teeth
pitiatory
♠ protuberance protrusion; swelling; bulge
38 ♥ bulge protruding part; swelling of a surface; Ex. The
apple made a bulge in his pocket; V: swell outward; pro-
♠ propitious favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortu-
trude
nate; Ex. propitious day/sign
♠ provenance place of origin; origin or source of some-
♥ horoscope diagram of the positions of stars at a given
thing; Ex. Gunpowder is of Chinese provenance; CF.
moment (eg. of a person’s birth) used by astrologers
come
proponent supporter; backer; opposite of opponent
♠ provender dry food for livestock; fodder
propound put forth for consideration or analysis; set
provident providing for future needs; displaying fore-
forth; Ex. propound a problem/theory
sight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvi-
propriety fitness; quality of being proper; correct con- dent
duct; conformity to prevailing customs and usages; CF.
♥ providence quality of being provident; divine care;
proprietor, proprietary
god’s care; Providence: god; Ex. It seemed like provi-
♥ usage act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in dence that the doctor happened to be there; ADJ. provi-
which words are actually used dential: of divine providence; fortunate
propulsive driving forward; N. propulsion provincial pertaining to a province; limited in outlook;
♠ prosaic lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative; narrow; unsophisticated
matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or provisional tentative; temporary
feelings); factual; CF. prose
proviso stipulation; condition in an agreement; provi-
♠ proscenium part of stage in front of curtain; front arch sion
of a stage
♥ provision act of providing; something provided;
proscribe prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw preparatory measure; provisions: necessary supplies
♥ outlaw fugitive from the law (excluded from legal pro- (esp. food); stipulation; condition in an agreement; Ex.
tection); V: declare (someone) to be an outlaw; deprive According to the provisions of the agreement
of the protection of the law; declare illegal; Ex. Drinking provocative arousing anger or sexual interest; annoy-
has been outlawed. ing; Ex. provocative in tight jeans; V. provoke: incite to
♠ proselytize (induce someone to) convert to a religion or anger; cause (an unpleasant action or feeling); N. provo-
belief; N. proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or reli- cation
gion ♠ prowess extraordinary ability; military bravery; Ex.
♠ prosody art of versification; study of the metrical struc- prowess in battle
ture of verse proximity nearness; ADJ. proximate
♥ metrical metric; written in the form of poetry; Ex. met- proxy authorized agent; authority to act for another
rical translation of Homer
♠ prude excessively modest or proper person (who is
♥ meter arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by eas- ily shocked by improper things, esp. of a sexual
accentual rhythm) nature); N. prudery; ADJ. prudish: excessively
prosperity good fortune and financial success; physical concerned with propriety
well-being prudent cautious; careful; prudential
♥ prosper become successful (esp. financially); thrive; prune cut away; trim
grow well; Ex. children prospering under his care
♠ prurient having or causing lustful desires and thoughts;
♥ prosperous successful; rich; affluent; well-to-do; well- arousing immoderate sexual desire
off
♠ pry inquire impertinently (someone else’s private af-
prostrate stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; en- fairs); use leverage to raise or open something; prize;
ervate; Ex. prostrating illness; ADJ: lying face down; N. pries: tool for prying
having lost all strength
♥ prize pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem; Ex.
♠ protean able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Pro- his most prized possession; N: something captured dur-
teus: sea god to change his shape at will ing war-time (esp. an enemy ship)

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 pseudonym pen name; fictitious name assumed by an ♠ purveyor furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey:
author; ADJ. pseudonymous supply (eg. food); furnish; CF. provide
psyche soul; mind ♠ pusillanimous cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted
psychiatrist doctor who treats mental diseases
♥ psychic of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordi- ♠ putative supposed; reputed; generally regarded as
nary mental powers such; Ex. putative father of the child

psychopathic pertaining to mental dearrangement; N. ♠ putrid decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; de-
psychopath: person with an antisocial personality dis- cayed; N. putridity
order ♥ putrefy make or become putrid; N. putrefaction
psychosis mental disorder; ADJ. N. psychotic ♥ putrescent becoming putrid; putrefying
♥ psychosomatic of the influence of the mind on the body ♥ gangrene decay of body tissue caused by insufficient
(esp. with respect to disease) blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gan-
♠ pterodactyl extinct flying reptile; CF. wing+finger grenous

♠ puerile childish; immature; CF. puer: boy pyromaniac person with an insane desire to set things
on fire
pugilist boxer; CF. pugilism: boxing
quack charlatan; impostor
♠ pugnacity combativeness; disposition to fight; ADJ.
pugnacious: (of people) belligerent; combative in nature ♠ quadruped four-footed animal; ADJ. CF. biped
♠ quaff drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty en-
joyment); r ; CF. sip
♠ puissant powerful; strong; potent; N. puissance: power ÜãJ,Ž
ÜãJ,Ž
♠ quagmire bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predica-
ment; complex or dangerous situation from which it is
♠ pulchritude beauty; comeliness; ADJ. pulchritudinous difficult to free oneself
♠ pulmonary pertaining to the lungs ♥ bog soft wet land; V: hinder or be hindered; Ex. bogged
♠ pulsate throb; beat regularly; vibrate regularly down in the mud
♥ pulse rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden ♠ quail cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart
change in a normally constant quantity; V: pulsate quaint odd in an old-fashioned way; odd; old-
pulverize crush or grind into very small particles fashioned; picturesque
♠ pummel pommel; beat or pound with fists qualified limited; restricted; V. qualify: limit the mean-
ing of; modify
punctilious minutely attentive (perhaps too much so)
to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form; N. ♠ qualms uneasy feelings; misgivings; uneasy fears espe-
punctilio, punctiliousness: careful attention payed to cially about matters of conscience; Ex. I have no qualms
every small exact detail about giving this assignment to Helen.

♠ pundit authority on a subject; expert; learned person ♠ quandary dilemma; state of uncertainty; Ex. She is in a
quandary about whether to go.
pungent stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of
speech or writing) caustic; N. pungency ♠ quarantine isolation of a person, place, or ship to pre-
vent spread of infection; V: isolate in quarantine
♠ punitive punishing; Ex. punitive measures
♠ quarry person or animal of pursuit; victim; object of a
♠ puny tiny; weak; insignificant hunt; prey
♠ purchase secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing 3
♠ quarry dig into (to get stone); N: mine;
purgatory place of spiritual expiation; temporary state $©œ
♥ bank heap; piled-up mass; embankment; lateral tilting
or place in which the souls must expiate their sins (as of an aircraft in turning); V: pile up; protect with a
purge remove or get rid of something or someone un- bank; tilt in turning
wanted; eliminate; free from blame or guilt; cleanse or
purify (esp. of sin, guilt, or defilement); N. 39
purport intention; purpose; meaning; V: claim; profess; ♠ quash crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul; Ex.
Ex. order which purports to be signed by the general quash a rebellion/the decision of the low court
purported alleged; claimed; reputed or rumored; Ex. ♥ squash crush; quash; suppress
purported Satanists
quay dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
♥ rooster cock; adult male chicken
♠ queasy experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nause-
♥ rabble mob; noisy crowd ated; squeamish; Ex. feel a little queasy
♠ purse pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles; N: wallet ♠ quell suppress; put an end to; put down forcibly; extin-
♥ pucker gather into wrinkles or folds; N: wrinkle or fold guish; quiet; Ex. “Army Quells Rebellion” in newspa-
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per; CF. kill

6
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♠ quench assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or ex- ♥ rake angle of a slope; V: slant from the perpendicular
tinguish; put out; suppress
♥ rake immoral or dissolute person
♥ squelch produce a splashing sound (when stepping
through mud); crush; squash; CF. ” f °` ¦ rally come or bring together; call up or summon (forces,
0A\"f µ1á` ¦ vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate (after illness or
M: difficulty); N: act of rallying; mass gathering

♠ querulous given to complaining; complaining; fretful; ramble wander aimlessly (physically or mentally); di-
whining gress

♥ whine complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound ramification branching out; subdivision; one branch of
(as in pain or supplication) a system; one of the results following from an action or
decision; Ex. ramifications of a business/the decision
query inquiry; question; V.
ramify branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions
queue line (of waiting people or vehicles)
♠ quibble minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor ♠ ramp slope; inclined plane or roadway (connecting two
objections; carp; cavil levels)
♠ quiescent dormant; temporarily inactive; at rest; N. qui- ♠ rampant growing or spreading uncontrollably; grow-
escence ing in profusion; unrestrained; Ex. rampant lawless-
quietude tranquillity; calmness ness/weed
♠ quintessence purest and highest embodiment; per- rampart defensive mound of earth
fect example; apotheosis; most essential element; Ex.
♠ ramshackle (of a building or vehicle) poorly con-
quintessence of wit; ADJ. quintessential; CF. fifth
structed; rickety; falling apart
essence
♥ rickety (of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of
♠ quip taunt; clever sarcastic remark; V.
rickets; CF. rickets; CF. vitamin D
♥ taunt deride or provoke; challenge in derision; N.
♥ ransack search thoroughly; pillage (going through a
♠ quirk sudden sharp turn or twist; startling twist; place); Ex. Enemy soldiers ransacked the town.
caprice; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity of behavior; Ex. by a
♠ rancid having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank
quirk of fate
♠ quisling traitor who aids invaders; CF. Vidkun
Quisling ♥ rank offensive in odor or flavor
♠ rancor long-lasting hatred; bitterness; Ex. negotiation
♠ quiver case for arrows without rancor; ADJ. rancorous

♠ quiver tremble; shake; N. random without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphaz-
ard; Ex. random shots; Ex. chosen at random
♥ leash restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal
(to control it); Ex. a dog on a leash ♥ lot object used in making a determination at random;
fate; piece of land
♠ quixotic idealistic but impractical; CF. Don Quixote
♥ draw choosing of a lot or card
♠ quizzical curious; suggesting puzzlement (without say-
ing); questioning; teasing; mocking; bantering; Ex. ♥ lottery contest in which winners are selected in a draw-
quizzical glance ing of lots

♠ quorum minimal number of members necessary to ♥ raffle lottery; V: award as a prize in a raffle; Ex. raffle
con- duct a meeting off a new car

♠ quotidian daily; commonplace; customary; Ex. quotid- ♠ rankle irritate; fester; annoy
ian routine ♠ rant speak violently or excitedly; rave; talk excitedly
♠ rabid of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely showing anger; scold; make a grandiloquent speech; Ex.
zealous; furious; CF. rabies: hydrophobia The priest ranted about the devil.
♠ raconteur story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and ♠ rapacious voracious; ravenous; taking everything one
skill can; excessively grasping; plundering; subsisting on
live prey; Ex. rapacious birds
♠ ragamuffin dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing
tattered clothes rapport close relationship; emotional closeness; har-
mony
♥ tatter torn piece of cloth; ADJ. tattered: (of clothes) old
and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes ♠ rapt engrossed; absorbed; enchanted; Ex. rapt listener
♠ rail complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker railing ♠ rarefied made less dense (of a gas); V. rarefy: make less
against injustices dense; N. rarefaction
♠ raiment clothing; garments; Ex. I have no raiment fit to ♥ rare (of air) thin in density; rarefied; Ex. rare air of the
wear. mountains
♠ rakish jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; disso- ♠ raspy making a harsh noise; grating; harsh
lute; Ex. He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.
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♥ rasp (of a sound) grate on (eg. nerves); make a harsh recant disclaim or disavow; retract a previous state-
noise; have an unpleasant effect; rub with something ment; openly confess error; Ex. recant one’s faith/a
rough; Ex. The cat’s tongue rasped my hand. statement
ratify approve formally; confirm; verify recapitulate summarize
♠ ratiocination reasoning; act of drawing conclusions ♠ recast reconstruct (a sentence, story, statue, etc.); fash-
from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically ion again
rationale fundamental reason or principle (on which a ♥ fashion give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of
system or principle is based); fundamental reason or clay
justification; grounds for an action
receptive quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions,
rationalize make rational; devise false reasons for etc.); Ex. receptive to the proposal
(one’s behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible rea-
son for an action in place of a true, less admirable ones; recession withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic ac-
N. rationalization tivity
♥ recess pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner
♥ rational (of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on
place; Ex. parliament in recess; V. CF. recessive
reason; logical
recidivism habitual return to crime (even after being
♥ ration fixed portion; V: distribute as rations
punished); N. recidivist
♠ raucous (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people)
recipient receiver
disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts
reciprocal mutual; given and received in return; ex-
ravage devastate; plunder; despoil; Ex. crops ravaged
changeable; interacting; Ex. reciprocal trade agreement
by storms
♥ maraud move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding ♠ reciprocate do or give something in return; repay in
army kind; give or take mutually; interchange; move back-
♠ rave overwhelmingly favorable review; V: talk wildly wards and forwards; Ex. reciprocate his invitation by
as if mad; Ex. raving lunatic inviting him; N. reciprocity: reciprocal relationship;
mutual interchange of advantages between two groups;
ravel fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or un- Ex. reciprocity in trading rights
twist
recluse hermit; loner; ADJ. reclusive
♠ ravenous extremely hungry; voracious
reconcile make friendly again (after quarrel); make con-
♠ ravine narrow valley with steep sides; gorge; CF. sistent (two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies;
gully, canyon Ex. reconcile one’s political principles with one’s reli-
raze destroy completely; Ex. raze the city to the ground gious beliefs
recondite abstruse; not easily understood; profound;
reactionary strongly opposed to social or political secret
change; opposing progress; politically ultraconserva- reconnaissance survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoi-
tive; N. OP. radical tering; V. reconnoiter: make a preliminary inspection of
♥ reinstate restore to a previous condition or position (esp. to gather military information)

realm kingdom; field or sphere; Ex. not within the ♠ recount narrate or tell (a story); count over again
realms of possibility recourse resorting to help when in trouble; Ex. without
reaper one who harvests grain; Ex. the Grim Reaper; V. recourse to
reap: cut and gather (crop); harvest a crop ♥ resort turn to for help; Ex. resort to violence; N.
rebate return of part of a payment; discount; V. ♥ makeshift temporary expedient or substitute (in the
♠ rebuff reject bluntly; snub; beat back; Ex. She rebuffed case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter
his invitation; N. ♥ recreant disloyal; cowardly; N: disloyal and cowardly
♥ snub ignore or behave coldly toward; Ex. I made a sug- person
gestion but she snubbed me; N. recrimination countercharges; V. recriminate
rebuke scold harshly; criticize severely rectify set right; correct; CF. rect-: right
♠ rebus representation of words in the form of pictures ♠ rectitude moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral
or symbols; puzzle in which pictures or letters stand virtue; correctness of judgment
for words; Ex. “R U 18” is a rebus for “Are you 18”.
recumbent reclining; lying down completely or in part
♠ rebuttal refutation; response with contrary evidence;
♥ recline lie down
V. rebut: refute; disprove
recuperate recover; return to health; regain; Ex. recu-
♠ recalcitrant disobedient or resisting authority even
perate losses
after being punished; obstinately stubborn; determined
to re- sist authority; unruly; Ex. recalcitrant child recurrent occurring again and again

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 40 ♠ relegate put into a lower or worse place; banish to an
inferior position; delegate; assign; Ex. relegate the old
redolent odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor); Ex. furniture to the children’s room; Ex. relegated to the
redolent of onions/mystery second division
♠ redoubtable formidable; causing fear relent become less severe; give in(surrender); ADJ. re-
♠ redress remedy; compensation; Ex. seek redress for the lentless: unyielding; continuously severe
damage to your car; V: put right; remedy or rectify (a relevant having importance; pertinent; referring to the
wrong); make amends for case in hand; N. relevance, relevancy
redundant superfluous; more than is necessary; ver- ♠ relic surviving remnant (from an extinct culture); me-
bose; excessively wordy; repetitious mento; keepsake; relics: corpse; Ex. ancient relics; Ex.
♠ reek emit (an unpleasant odor or smoke); give off an un- relics of his travel; Ex. His relics are buried at X.
pleasant odor; give out smoke; Ex. reeking chimney; N: relinquish give up something (with reluctance); yield;
unpleasant odor; stench release; Ex. relinquish power/the claim to the land/his
♥ stench strong foul odor; reek; stink hold on my arm
♥ stink stench; V: emit a strong foul odor ♠ relish enjoy; savor; N: enjoyment; zest
♠ refectory dining hall; room where meals are served (in remediable reparable
a school)
reminiscence recollection; V. reminisce: recollect the
refraction bending of a ray of light past
♠ refractory unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn; ♥ reminiscent suggestive of something (in the past); of
Ex. refractory horse reminiscence
♠ refrain abstain from; resist; forbear; N: chorus remiss negligent; careless about a duty
♥ chorus phrase repeated throughout a song or poem remission temporary moderation (of disease symp-
refulgent effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleam- toms); remitting of a debt or punishment; cancelation
ing; Ex. refulgent moon of a debt; pardon; Ex. The disease went into remission;
Ex. Christians pray for the remission of sins.
♥ gleam brief flash of light; glow; V.
♥ remit transmit (money) in payment; free someone from
♠ refurbish renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make a debt or punishment
new) again; make bright by polishing; Ex. refurbish an
old theater; CF. furbish: polish ♥ remittance remitting of money; amount of money re-
mitted
refute disprove; prove to be false; N. refutation
remnant remainder
regal royal; of a monarch; Ex. regal manner
remonstrate protest; objection; V. remonstrate: say in
♠ regale entertain
protest
♠ regatta boat or yacht race
remorse deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self-
regeneration spiritual rebirth; Ex. regeneration of the reproach
prisoners; V. regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform
remunerative (of work) compensating; rewarding;
spiritually
profitable; well-paid; V. remunerate: reward; pay
♥ penology study of prison management and criminal (someone) for work or trouble
re- habilitation
rend split; tear apart; N. rent; CF. heartrending: causing
regicide murder of a king or queen deep sorrow
regime method of system or government render give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or
♠ regimen prescribed course of diet or exercise; pre- artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate; Ex. ren-
scribed diet and habits; Ex. daily regimen of a dancer der the song beautifully
rendezvous meeting place; meeting at a set time or
♠ regiment military unit; V: subject to strict order; Ex. place; V.
reg- imented society rendition rendering; translation; artistic interpretation
rehabilitate restore to proper condition (health or use- of a song, etc
ful life); restore the former rank of ♠ renegade deserter; traitor; ADJ.
reimburse repay; pay back ♠ renege break a promise; deny; go back on; Ex. renege
reiterate repeat on the contract/paying off the debt
♠ rejoinder reply; retort; comeback; V. rejoin: say in reply renounce abandon; give up (by formal announcement);
disown; repudiate; Ex. renounce one’s claim to the
property/one’s religion; N. renunciation
♥ comeback retort; quick clever reply; return to former
status renovate restore to good condition; renew
rejuvenate make young again renown fame; ADJ. renowned

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♥ herald messenger; sign of something to come; V: an- reprove censure; rebuke; N. reproof
nounce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
repudiate disown; disavow; deny
♠ rent tear made by rending; rip; split
repugnance disgust; strong dislike; loathing; ADJ. re-
reparable capable of being repaired pugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive
♠ reparation compensation (for loss or wrong); amends; repulsion distaste; disgust; act of driving back; ADJ. re-
Ex. make reparation for the damage; CF. repair pulsive: causing disgust; tending to drive away; V.
repartee quick clever reply repel (not ‘repulse’)

♠ repast meal; feast; banquet ♥ repulse reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or
friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse
repeal revoke; annul = cause repulsion
repel drive away; disgust; Ex. repel the at- reputable respectable; having a good reputation
tack/moisture; Ex. repelled by the dirty room; CF. re-
pulsion reputed supposed; Ex. reputed father of the child; V.
repute: consider; N. repute: reputation; esteem
repellent driving away; disgusting; offensive; repul-
sive; unattractive; N. requiem mass for the dead; dirge

repercussion rebound; reaction; reverberation; Ex. seri- ♥ mass Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass:
ous repercussion ceremony of the Eucharist

repertoire list of works of music, drama, etc., a per- requisite necessary requirement; something required;
former is prepared to present; CF. repertory ADJ: required; necessary

♠ repine fret; complain; be annoyed; Ex. repine over the ♥ requisition formal demand or request; Ex. requisition
for more computing equipment; V.
undone work
♠ requite make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge;
replenish fill up again
N. requittal
replete fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of
being stuffed; abundantly supplied; Ex. report replete
with errors 41
rescind repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agree-
♥ memoir memoirs; autobiography; biography
ment)
♥ brim uppermost edge of a cup; projecting rim (as on a
resentment indignation; bitterness; displeasure; V. re-
hat); Ex. The glass was full to the brim; V: be full to the
sent: feel anger about
brim
reserve self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant
replica copy
manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and
replicate reproduce; duplicate openly; ADJ. reserved: shy and uncommunicative
repository storehouse residue remainder; balance
♥ repose resting; state of being at rest; calmness; V: lie at ♥ residual remaining; left over; of a residue; N: residue
rest; relax; put or place; Ex. repose our hopes in a single resignation patiently submissiveness; statement that
man one is quitting a job; ADJ. resigned: acquiescent
reprehensible deserving blame; blameworthy; V. ♥ resign give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (one-
repre- hend: blame self) passively
repress hold back (the natural expression of); restrain; resilient elastic; having the power of springing back;
crush; oppress; Ex. repressed child; Ex. repress a able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)
laugh/rebellion
♥ elastic able to spring back into shape; quick to recover
reprieve postponement or cancelation of a punishment; (as from disappointment); able to adapt to change; Ex.
temporary stay; V: postpone or cancel the punishment elastic plans; N: elastic material
of
resolution determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute:
reprimand reprove severely; rebuke; N. firm or determined in purpose
reprisal retaliation resolve determination; resolution; firmness of purpose
♠ reprise musical repetition; repeating of a piece of resolve decide; settle; solve; separate; make a deter-
music; repeat performance; recurrent action; Ex. mined decision; N. resolution
reprise in the finale; Ex. constant reprises
resonant (of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding
reproach blame (not angrily but sadly); express disap- loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance;
proval or disappointment; N. ADJ. reproachful Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance
♠ reprobate morally disapproved person; person hard- ♥ resound (of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound)
ened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency; CF. disap- sound loudly; sound back; echo; Ex. hall resounded
proved by God ? with laughter
reprobation severe disapproval; CF. approbation respiration breathing; exhalation; ADJ. respiratory

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♠ respite time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punish- ♠ revelry boisterous merrymaking; V. revel: engage bois-
ment; reprieve terous festivities; enjoy greatly; N: boisterous festivity
resplendent brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; or celebration
glorious ♠ reverberate echo repeatedly; resound; Ex. The thunder
responsiveness state of reacting readily to appeals, or- reverberated across the valley.
ders, etc.; ADJ. responsive: readily reacting; Ex. respon- reverent respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with
sive to treatment reverence; N. reverence: profound respect
♠ restitution returning something (lost or stolen) to the ♥ reverend deserving reverence; N: priest
rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensa-
tion for loss, damage, or injury ♠ reverie daydream; abstracted musing

♠ restive impatiently restless (induced by external coer- revert relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the for-
cion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately re- mer owner; N. reversion
sisting control; Ex. restive horses because of wolves; CF. ♥ relapse return to a former state (esp. after improve-
not a general synonym for ‘restless’ ment); N.
restraint moderation or self-control; controlling force; ♥ backslide revert (to bad habits); N. reverter
restriction
♠ revile attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)
resumption taking up again; recommencement; V. re-
sume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again; Ex. revoke cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable
Kindly resume your seats. ♠ revulsion sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden vi-
♠ resurge rise again; flow to and fro; N. resurgence; ADJ. olent change of feeling; negative reaction; Ex. revulsion
resurgent: (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; from the scenes of torture
surging again ♠ rhapsodize speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthu-
♥ resurrect revive siastic manner; Ex. rhapsodize over the beauty of the
scenery
resuscitate revive; bring back to life or consciousness;
Ex. resuscitate the drowned child ♥ rhapsody excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling;
musical composition of irregular form (as if made up as
retain keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a one plays it)
lawyer or advisor); N. retainer: servant; fee paid to re-
tain an advisor ♠ rhetoric art of effective communication; art of using lan-
guage effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or
retaliate repay in kind (usually for bad treatment); V. writing; grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric;
retaliate ADJ. rhetorical; CF. rhetorical question: question to
♠ retentive holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the which no answer is expected as “Who knows it ?”
mind); having a good memory ♠ ribald marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton;
♠ reticent inclined to silence; uncommunicative; re- profane; N. ribaldry: ribald language or joke
served; Ex. He was reticent about the reasons; N. ret- ♠ riddle pierce with holes; permeate or spread through-
icence out; Ex. The gunman riddled the car with bullets; Ex.
retinue following; attendants The whole report is riddled with errors; N. large sieve
(separating earth from stone)
♠ retiring shy and reserved (of a person); modest; Ex. her
retiring personality ♠ rider amendment or clause added to a legislative bill
retort quick sharp reply; V. ♠ rife (of something bad) widespread; abundant; current
retract withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a ♠ rift narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly
statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile relation; Ex. through a rift in the clouds; OP. reconcila-
tion
♠ retrench cut down; cut down expenses; economize
♠ rig fix or manipulate; manipulate dishonestly for per-
♠ retribution deserved punishment for wrongdoing; sonal gain; Ex. rig the election
punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance; CF.
pay back ♥ rig arrangement of masts and sails; V: equip (a ship)
with rigging; ADJ. rigging: ropes that hold up a ship’s
retrieve recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex. sails
retrieve the situation
rigid hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in
♠ retroactive taking effect before its enactment (as a law) behavior or views; strict; rigorous; Ex. rigid rule
or imposition (as a tax); (of a law) having effect on the
past as well as the future rigor severity; Ex. rigors of the Russian winter
♥ enact make (a bill) into law ♠ rile irritate; vex; muddy
♠ retrograde go backwards; recede; degenerate; deterio- ♠ riveting holding one’s attention; absorbing; engrossing
rate; ADJ. ♥ rivet metal pin used for fastening metal plates together;
retrospective looking back on the past; N. retrospection; V: fasten with a rivet; engross
V. retrospect ♠ rivulet small stream; CF. rill ¡ rivulet ¡ river

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 robust strong; vigorous sacrilegious desecrating; profane; N. sacrilege: desecra-
rococo ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century tion, misuse, or theft of something sacred
♠ roil make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; dis- ♠ sacrosanct invioably sacred; most sacred; inviolable
turb
♠ roseate rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views 42
♠ roster list (of names) ♠ sadistic inclined to cruelty; N. sadism: delight in cruelty
♠ rostrum raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
saga Scandinavian myth; any legend; long heroic narra-
♥ pulpit raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
tive
♠ rote repetition; memorization through repetition with-
♠ sagacious wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight; N.
out understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote sagacity
♠ rotunda circular building or hall covered with a dome
♠ sage person celebrated for wisdom; wise person; ADJ:
♠ rotundity roundness; sonorousness of speech wise
♥ rotund (of a person) fat and round ♠ salacious lascivious; lustful; Ex. salacious monk
♠ rousing lively; inducing excitement; stirring; V. rouse: ♠ salient prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicu-
waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up ous; Ex. salient features
rout put to rout; stampede; drive out; N: complete de- saline salty
feat and disorderly retreat
♠ sallow (of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking;
♥ stampede sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken ani- sickly in color; Ex. sallow complexion due to jaundice
mals or people); V: participate in or cause stampede; Ex.
stampede before the price rises
♠ salubrious healthful; conducive to health or well-being;
rubble fragments (esp. from a destroyed building) socially desirable; Ex. salubrious area; CF. health
♥ mason one who builds or works with stone or brick; N. ♠ salutary tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome; Ex.
masonry: work of a mason; stonework or brickwork The punishment had a salutary effect on the boy; CF.
♠ rubric title or heading (in red print); directions for reli- health
gious ceremony; protocol salvage rescue (goods or property) from loss; N: saving;
♠ ruddy reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy- property saved
looking ♠ sanctimonious displaying ostentatious or hypocritical
rudimentary elementary; not developed; crude; N. devoutness; N. sanctimony: hypocritical piety
rudiment: fundamental element or principle; Ex. rudi- sanction approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty in-
ments of the language tended to enforce compliance
♠ rue regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N. sanctuary place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place; Ex.
ADJ. rueful The outlaw was granted sanctuary in the church.
♠ ruffian violent scoundrel; bully sanguinary bloody; with much bloodshed
♠ ruminate chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, sanguine optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of
physically); mull over(ponder) blood; red
♥ ruminant animal that ruminates; ADJ. ♠ sap diminish; weaken; undermine the foundations of (a
rummage ransack; thoroughly search fortification); Ex. The element kryptonite sapped his
strength.
♠ runic mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet; N.
rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient sarcasm cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; sting-
Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm ing rebuke; ADJ. sarcastic
♠ sardonic scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cyn-
♠ ruse trick to deceive; stratagem ical; Ex. sardonic smile

rustic pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; ♠ sartorial pertaining to tailors or tailoring; Ex. a man of
simple; crude; uncouth; (of furniture) rough with the great sartorial elegance; CF. sartor: tailor
bark left on; N. rural person; rustic person ♠ sate satisfy to the full; satisfy to excess; cloy
rusticate banish to the country; dwell in the country ♥ doze sleep lightly; nap
ruthless pitiless; merciless; cruel satellite small body revolving around a larger one
saboteur one who commits sabotage; destroyer of prop- satiate satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger);
erty; N. sabotage: destruction of property (usually car- sate; N. satiety: condition of being satiated
ried out secretly)
satire form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and
saccharine cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or sac- ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly
charin

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 satirical using satire; mocking with lines or notches; Ex. score the paper to make it easy
saturate soak thoroughly; imbue; impregnate; charge; to fold
fill to capacity ♥ stamp step on heavily (so as to crush or extinguish); put
♠ saturnine morose; gloomy; Ex. Do not be misled by his an end to; imprint or impress with a mark, design, or
saturnine countenance. seal; shape with a die; characterize; Ex. machine stamp-
ing out car bodies; Ex. newspaper stamping him as a
♠ satyr half-human, half-bestial being in the court of liar; N. stamping; implement used to stamp; impres-
Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wan- sion stamped; mark; Ex. Her remarks bear the stamp
ton(unrestrained) and cunning; lecher; CF. faun; CF. of truth.
goat: lecherous man
♠ scourge lash; whip (formerly used for punishment);
♠ saunter stroll(go for a leisurely walk) slowly; N. source of severe punishment; V: whip; afflict
♠ savant scholar; learned person; CF. savoir: know ♠ scruple hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about; Ex. She
♠ savor enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality; did not scruple to read his diary; N: uneasy feeling aris-
N: taste or smell; distinctive quality ing from conscience; conscience

♠ savory pleasant in taste; tasty; pleasing, attractive, or scrupulous conscientious; extremely thorough; Ex.
agreeable; Ex. savory reputation scrupulous worker

♠ scabbard case for a sword blade; sheath scrutinize examine closely and critically; N. scrutiny
♠ scuffle struggle confusedly; move off in a confused
♠ scad a great quantity; Ex. scads of clothes
hurry; N. CF. scuffling twins ?
♠ scaffold temporary platform for workers (to work at
♥ shuffle mix together; jumble; move (something) from
heights above the ground); bracing framework; plat-
one place to another; slide (the feet) along the ground
form for execution
while walking; Ex. shuffle papers from one pile to an-
scale climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales; other; N.
N: flake of epidermis; ascending or descending series of
♠ scurrilous abusive; obscene; indecent; Ex. scurrilous re-
musical tones
mark
scanty meager; insufficient ♠ scurry move hastily; hurry; move briskly
♠ scapegoat someone who bears the blame for others; ♠ scurvy contemptible; despicable; N: disease caused by
whipping boy; CF. escape+goat deficiency of Vitamin C
♠ scavenge hunt through discarded materials for ♠ scuttle sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap;
usable items or food; search, especially for food; N. discard; N: small hatch in a ship’s deck or hull
scavenger: one who scavenges; animal that feeds on
refuse and car- rion ♥ hull husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body
of a ship
♥ refuse anything discarded or rejected as worthless;
trash ♠ seamy sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome; Ex. seamy
side of city life
scenario plot outline; screenplay(script for a movie);
♥ base contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or
opera libretto; outline of possible future events
quality; Ex. base motives/conduct; Ex. base metal such
schematic of a schema or scheme; relating to an outline as iron
or diagram; using a system of symbols; N. schema: dia-
♠ sear burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch;
grammatic representation; outline
cause (a plant) to wither
♥ scheme systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; or-
♥ char make or become black by burning; reduce or be re-
derly arrangement of elements; Ex. health insurance
duced to carbon or charcoal(black substance made by
scheme; Ex. a scheme to escape taxes; Ex. a color
burning wood) by incomplete combustion
scheme; Ex. a story with no scheme; V: contrive a
scheme ♥ scorch sear; N.
♠ schism division into factions (esp. within a religious ♥ brand trademark; mark burned on the hide of an ani-
body); split mal; mark burned into the flesh of criminals; mark of
disgrace; V: mark with a brand; give a lasting bad name;
♠ scintilla trace; minute amount; shred; least bit; Ex. stigmatize; Ex. The press branded him a liar.
There is not a scintilla of truth; CF. spark
♥ hide skin of an animal
♠ scintillate sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life; Ex.
scintillating conversation seasoned experienced

♠ scoff laugh (at); mock; ridicule; Ex. scoff at their threats ♥ season enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; in-
ure; harden; N. seasoning: something used in seasoning

♠ scotch stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder; Ex.

scotch the rumor; CF. cut; CF. × ¦s ♥ seasonal of a particular season; Ex. seasonal rise in em-
Ö¸1lx ployment
 H
_
♥ score number of points; written form of a musical com- full/vocal score; Ex. Don’t worry on that score; V: mark
position; reason; group of 20; notch or incision; Ex.
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♥ seasonable occurring at the proper time or season; op-
portune; Ex. seasonable intervention in the dispute

7
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 secession withdrawal; V. secede: withdraw ♥ voluptuous sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; in-
formally from membership dulging in sensual pleasures; Ex. voluptuous lines; Ex.
seclusion isolation; solitude; V. seclude: set apart from voluptuous life of the Romans; N. voluptuary: volup-
others; isolate tuous person
♠ secrete conceal; hide away or cache; produce and re- sensuous giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to
lease a substance into an organism; CF. secretive the physical senses; operating through the senses; sen-
suous feeling of soft velvet on the skin
sect separate religious body; faction; group of people
with common beliefs within a larger group ♠ sententious pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic
♥ sectarian of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial; N: mem- ♠ sentient capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sen-
ber of a sect; narrow-minded person sitive; Ex. sentient creature; N. sentience
♥ denomination religious group; unit in a system; name sentinel sentry; lookout
or designation; CF. denominator: common trait or char-
♥ lookout act of keeping watch; high place commanding
acteristic
a wide view; person who keeps watch
secular worldly; not pertaining to church matters or re-
♠ septic of or causing sepsis; putrid; producing putrefac-
ligion; temporal
tion; N. sepsis: poisoning of part of the body (producing
♠ sedate composed (with no excitement); grave; V: ad- pus)
minister a sedative to; CF. sedative
♠ sepulcher tomb; V: place in a sepulcher; ADJ. sepul-
sedentary requiring sitting; done while sitting; not chral
moving from one place to another; settled; Ex. seden-
tary job/population 43
sedition conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebel- ♠ sequester isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public
lion; resistance to authority; insubordination; ADJ. sedi- life
tious
♠ sere sear; parched; dry
♠ sedulous diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N.
sedulity ♠ serendipity gift for finding valuable things by accident;
accidental good fortune or luck; CF. The Three Princes
♠ seedy run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many
of Serendip
seeds; Ex. seedy downtown hotel
serenity calmness; placidity; ADJ. serene
♥ run-down (of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition;
(of a person) weak or exhausted ♠ serpentine winding; twisting; of or like a serpent; Ex.
♠ seemly (of behavior) proper; appropriate serpentine course of the river; N. serpent: snake

♠ serrated having a sawtoothed edge; Ex. serrated leaf

♠ seep pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle;
N. seepage servile slavish; cringing; N. servility
♠ seethe be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move servitude slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a pun-
about wildly as if boiling; Ex. The nation was seething ishment
with discontent.
♠ sever separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up
♠ seine seine net; net for catching fish (a relationship); N. severance; CF. severance pay: extra
seismic pertaining to earthquakes pay given an employee upon leaving a position

♠ semblance outward appearance; guise; Ex. We called severity harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity; ADJ.
in the troops to bring a/some semblance of order to the severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense
city. ♠ sextant navigation tool used to determine a ship’s lati-
seminal related to seed or semen; germinal; creative; tude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)
providing a basis for further development; influencing
future developments; Ex. seminal research in a new ♠ shackle chain; fetter; confine with shackles; N.
field
♠ sham pretend; feign; ADJ: not genuine; fake; Ex. sham
♠ seminary school for training future ministers; sec- jewelry; N: something that is not what it appears; im-
ondary school, especially for young women postor; pretense; Ex. The agreement was a sham.
senility old age; feeblemindedness of old age; ADJ. se- ♠ shambles (place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin;
nile: resulting from old age; showing the weakness of wreck; mess; Ex. After the hurricane, the coast was a
body or mind from old age; Ex. senile dementia shambles.
♥ feebleminded deficient in intelligence; very stupid ♠ shard fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay
♠ sensitization process of being made sensitive or acutely bowl, or cup)
responsive to an external agent or substance; V. sensi- ♠ shaving very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a
tize: make or become sensitive surface with a sharp blade)
sensual devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal; ♥ plane carpenter ’s tool for smoothing and leveling
voluptuous; Ex. sensual woman/curves/lips wood; V. CF. flat

7
8
♠ sheaf bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things ♠ skinflint miser; stingy person
tied together
skirmish minor fight; minor battle in war; V.
♠ sheathe place into a case; insert into or provide with a
sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for ♠ skittish inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious;
a blade Ex. charming but skittish young woman; CF. skit
♠ sherbet flavored dessert ice ♥ frisk move about playfully; froric; ADJ. frisky: playful
♠ shimmer shine with a flickering light; glimmer inter- ♠ skulduggery(skullduggery) dishonest behavior or ac-
mittently; Ex. The moonlight shimmered on the water; tion; Ex. skulduggery in the election
N. ♠ skulk move furtively and secretly; Ex. He skulked
♠ shirk avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger through the less fashionable sections of the city.
♠ shoddy made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; ♠ slacken slow up; loosen; make or become slack
inferior; dishonest; Ex. shoddy goods/trick ♥ slack moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope)
♠ shrew scolding woman; very small mouselike animal loose; negligent; lax; Ex. slack season; Ex. slack in one’s
work; N. V.
shrewd clever; astute
♠ slag glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste
♠ shun keep away from; avoid deliberately; Ex. She has matter
been shunned by her neighbors.
slake satisfy (thirst); quench; sate
♠ shunt move (a railway train) from one track to another;
turn aside; divert; sidetrack; Ex. shunt traffic around an slander defamation; utterance of false and malicious
accident; N. statements; V. ADJ. slanderous
♥ sidetrack switch (a railroad car) to a siding; divert from ♠ slapdash hasty and careless; haphazard;
a main issue; N. CF. siding: short section of railroad sloppy(carelessly done)
track connected by switches with a main track ♠ sleazy shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex.
♠ shyster lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupu- sleazy back-street hotel/fabric
lous practioner
♠ sleeper one that achieves unexpected success; some-
sibling brother or sister thing originally of little value or importance that in time
becomes very valuable
♠ sibylline prophetic; oracular; N. sibyl: woman prophet
(in the ancient world) sleight dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain;
quickness of the hands in doing tricks
♠ sidereal relating to stars; Ex. sidereal day
♠ slew large quantity or number; Ex. slew of errands left
♠ silt sediment deposited by running water (at the en-
trance to a harbor or by a bend in a river) ♠ slight insult to one’s dignity; snub; V: treat as if of small
♠ simian monkeylike; N: ape or monkey importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small
importance
simile comparison of one thing with another, using the
word like or as ♠ slipshod slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex.
slipshod work
♠ simper smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly
♠ slither slip or slide
simplistic oversimplified
sloth slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness;
simulate feign; imitate ADJ. slothful: lazy; indolent
♠ sinecure well-paid position with little responsibility; ♠ slough (of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin); N:
CF. sine cure: without care; CF. San Serif outer layer that is shed
♠ sinewy (of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular; N. ♠ slovenly untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod; N.
sinew: tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a sloven: one who is habitually untidy or careless
bone
♥ sledge large sled drawn by work animals
singular being only one; individual; unique; extraordi-
nary; odd; Ex. singular beauty/behavior ♥ sleigh large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice
sinister evil; ominous ♠ sluggard lazy person
♠ sinuous twisting; winding; bending in and out; not sluggish lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic; CF. slug: nail
morally honest with no shell
skeptic sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judg- ♠ sluice artificial channel for directing or controlling the
ment until he has examined the evidence supporting a flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)
point of view; ADJ. skeptical; N. skepticism; scepticism ♠ slur slander; insult to one’s character or reputation; V.
♠ skiff small light sailboat or rowboat ♠ slur pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble
♠ skimp provide or use scantily; live very economically;
Ex. skimp on necessities; ADJ. skimpy: inadequate in ♠ smattering slight knowledge; small scattered number
amount; scanty; stingy; niggardly or amount; Ex. smattering of German
7
9
♠ smelt melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; ♠ somnolent half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence
melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition
♠ sonorous resonant; producing a full deep sound;
pro- ducing sound
♠ smirk conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile
(often at someone else’s misfortune); V. ♥ sonic of sound or its speed in air; CF. subsonic, super-
sonic
♠ smolder smoulder; burn slowly without flame; be liable
to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state; ♥ sonnet 14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pat-
Ex. smoldering anger tern

♠ snicker half-stifled(suppressed) laugh; V. sophist teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of

fallacious reasoning; N. sophism: plausible but falla-
♠ snivel complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; cious argument
snuffle; Ex. Don’t come back sniveling to me.
sophisticated worldly wise and urbane; refined; com-
♥ snuffle sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid plex; N. sophistication; V. sophisticate
from running out of the nose)
sophistry seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning;
sobriety moderation (especially regarding indulgence sophism
in alcohol); seriousness
♠ sophomoric immature; half-baked; like a sophomore
♥ sober serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or tem-
perate; V: make or become sober ♠ soporific sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy
♠ sodden thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from ♠ sordid filthy; foul; base; vile; Ex. sordid bed/story
drink ♠ spangle small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for
♠ sojourn temporary stay; V: stay for a time ornamentation
♠ solace comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: sparse not thick; thinly scattered; scanty
comfort or console in time of sorrow or trouble ♠ spartan without attention to comfort; lacking luxury
♠ solder repair or make whole by using a metal alloy; N: and comfort; sternly disciplined; Ex. spartan living con-
metal alloy (usually tin and lead) used in the molten dition/life
state to join metallic parts ♠ spasmodic fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm:
♠ solecism nonstandard grammatical construction; sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst
con- struction that is flagrantly incorrect of energy or emotion
grammatically; vi- olation of social etiquette ♠ spat squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel
solemnity seriousness; gravity ♠ spate sudden flood or rush; Ex. spate of accidents
solicit entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain; Ex. so- spatial relating to space
licit votes; CF. solicitor: one who solicits; chief law offi-
cer ♠ spatula broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or
mixing
♠ solicitous anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. so-
licitous to do something; N. solicitude spawn lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring
(in large numbers); N: eggs of aquatic animals
soliloquy talking to oneself (esp. in a play); CF. mono-
logue: soliloquy; long speech by one person (often mo- specious seemingly reasonable but incorrect; mislead-
nopolizing a conversation) ing (often intentionally)
solitude state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary: spectral ghostly; N. specter: spectre; ghost; phantom
existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or se- spectrum colored band produced when a beam of light
cluded; single; sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary passes through a prism; broad and continuous range;
piece of proof Ex. whole spectrum of modern thoughts
solstice point or time at which the sun is farthest from
♠ spendthrift someone who wastes money; CF. thrift: ac-
the equator cumulated wealth
soluble able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be
♠ sphinx-like enigmatic; mysterious
worked out or solved
♠ splice join together end to end to make one continuous
solvent able to pay all depths; N. solvency
length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of
solvent substance that dissolves another; ADJ: capable tape; N.
of dissolving another substance
spontaneity lack of premeditation; naturalness; free-
somatic pertaining to the body; bodily; physical dom from constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated;
unpremeditated; happening without being planned
44 ♠ spoonerism accidental transposition of sounds in suc-
cessive words; Ex. “Let me sew you to your sheet” for
♠ somber dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF.
shadow “Let me show you to your seat”; CF. William Spooner

somnambulist sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. som- ♥ transpose reverse the order or position of

nambulism sporadic occurring irregularly; intermittent

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♠ sportive playful; frolicsome; merry; CF. sport: play or ♠ stentorian (of the voice) extremely loud; CF. Stentor: a
frolic; CF. sportsmanlike loud herald in the Iliad
♠ spruce neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be stereotype one regarded as embodying a set image or
spruce for your job interview; V. type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized
♠ spry (esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble mental picture often reflecting prejudice; Ex. stereotype
of the happy slave; V: make a stereotype of; represent
♥ nimble quick in movement; agile; quick in understand- by a stereotype; Ex. It is wrong to stereotype people; Ex.
ing; Ex. nimble climber/mind stereotyped answer
♠ spurious false; counterfeit; forged; illogical; Ex. spuri- ♠ stickler perfectionist; person who insists things be ex-
ous arguments actly right
♠ spurn reject disdainfully; scorn; Ex. She spurned all of- ♠ stifle suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
fers of help.
♠ squabble minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a mi-
♥ smother kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly;
nor quarrel; Ex. squabbling children
Ex. smothered in little stickers
♠ squalor condition of being squalid; filth; degradation;
♥ suffocate die or kill from lack of air; suppress
dirty neglected state; ADJ. squalid: dirty; sordid;
morally repulsive; Ex. squalid story ♠ stigma token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark
with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful
squander waste; spend foolishly
♠ stilted bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric;
♠ squat short and thick; stocky; Ex. ugly squat tower; V.
CF. stiff: formal
N.
♠ stint set limits in amount or number; be thrifty; ADJ.
♠ staccato played in an abrupt manner; marked by
stinting, unstinting; CF. stint:savings
abrupt sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause
♠ stint supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion
♥ legato (of music) played smoothly
of work; limitation; Ex. two-year stint in the army; Ex.
stagnant (of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); without stint
motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex.
♠ stipend pay for services
stagnant industrial output
♠ stipple paint or draw with dots or short strokes
♠ staid serious and sedate; sober; Ex. staid during the fu-
neral ceremony stipulate state as a necessary condition (of an agree-
stalemate deadlock; situation in which further action is ment); make express conditions; specify; Ex. He stip-
blocked ulated payment in advance

♠ stalwart physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in ♠ stock standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typ-
mind or determination; Ex. stalwart supporter; N: stal- ical; routine; common; Ex. stock sizes of paper; Ex.
wart follower stock excuse/character; N: goods for sale in a shop; OP.
unique
stamina power of endurance; strength; staying power
♠ stockade wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts
♠ stanch stop or check flow of blood; Ex. stanch the gush- used as defensive barrier
ing wound
♥ pen fenced enclosure for animals; confining space; Ex.
♠ stanza division of a poem (composed of two or more sheep pen; V: confine in a pen; enclose
lines)
♠ stodgy dull; stuffy; boringly conservative; Ex. stodgy
static having no motion; unchanging; lacking develop- book
ment; N. stasis: stable state
stoic stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief; N. CF.
statute law enacted by the legislature stoicism
statutory created by statute or legislative action; regu- ♠ stoke stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully
lated by statute; Ex. statutory age limit
♠ stolid dull; impassive; showing little emotion when
♠ steadfast steadily loyal; unswerving; steady strong feelings are expected
stealth action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; stratagem deceptive scheme; clever trick
sneakiness; secretiveness; ADJ. stealthy
stratified divided into classes; arranged into strata; V.
♠ steep soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath; stratify
ADJ: precipitous
stratum layer of earth’s surface; layer of society; PL.
stellar pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; out- strata
standing; Ex. stellar attraction of the entire performance
♠ strew spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter; Ex. flower girl
strewing rose petals
♠ stem stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding
from the slashed artery; N: main axis of a plant; stalk ♠ striated marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved;
Ex. striated rocks; V. striate; N. stria: thin groove or line
stem from arise from; originate from

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♠ stricture severe and adverse criticism; critical com- subsequent following in time or order; later
ments; limit or restriction
subservient behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious;
♠ strident loud and harsh; insistent; N. stridency subordinate; N. subservience
stringent (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of subside sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the
money; Ex. stringent economic conditions bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet; become
♠ strut pompous walk; V: walk in a self-important man- less; moderate; abate
ner
subsidiary serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of
♠ strut supporting bar; CF. airplane wing building a subsidy; N.
1px
` ¦ support subsidy direct financial aid by government, etc.; V. sub-
sidize: assist with a subsidy
♠ studied carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous;
deliberate; thoughtful; Ex. studied remark subsistence existence; means of subsisting; means of
support; livelihood; V. subsist: exist; maintain life (at
♠ stultify make stupid in mind; cause to appear or be- a meager level)
come stupid or inconsistent; suppress; frustrate or hin-
der; Ex. stultifying effect of uninteresting work; Ex. substantial of substance; material; solid; essential or
stultify free expression fundamental; ample; considerable; well-to-do; wealthy

♠ stupefy stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze substantiate support (a claim) with evidence; establish
with evidence; verify
♠ stupor state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze;
lack of awareness ♠ substantive substantial; essential; pertaining to the sub-
stance; substantial; considerable; Ex. substantive issues
♥ stun make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze;
astound
♠ subsume include (as a member of a group); encompass
♥ daze stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb; N.
♠ subterfuge stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense;
evasion; Ex. resort to a harmless subterfuge
♠ stygian unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly;
CF. subtlety perceptiveness; ingenuity; delicacy; ADJ. sub-
Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead tle: delicate; so slight as to be difficult to detect;
able to make fine distinctions; clever; Ex. subtle
mind/differences in meaning
♠ stymie thwart; present an obstacle; stump
♥ stump base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut ♠ subversive tending to overthrow or ruin; V. subvert:
down; V: walk in a heavy manner; baffle; puzzle overthrow completely (an established system); destroy
completely; CF. undermine ?
♠ suavity urbanity; polish; ADJ. suave: smooth and cour-
teous succor assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort; N.

♠ subaltern subordinate ♠ succulent juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness; N:

succulent plant such as a cactus
subdue less intense; quieter; Ex. subdued lighting; Ex.
subdue: conquer; make less intense; quiet; Ex. subdue succumb yield (to something overwhelming); give in;
one’s anger die; Ex. succumb to the illness
subjective influenced by personal feelings; occurring or ♠ suffragist advocate of the extension of voting rights (for
taking place within the mind; unreal; Ex. subjective sen- women); CF. suffrage
sation of the ghostly presence ♠ suffuse spread through or over (with a color or liquid);
subjugate conquer; bring under control charge; Ex. A blush suffused her cheeks.
sublimate refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with ♠ sully defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one’s hands in me-
socially acceptable activities; change between a solid nial labor
state and a gaseous state
♥ tarnish make or become dull or discolored; N.
sublime causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect,
etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter sultry (of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous

45 summation act of finding the total; summing-up; sum-

mary (esp. one given by the judge at the end of a trial)
subliminal below the threshold of conscious percep-
tion; Ex. subliminal advertisement
♠ sumptuous grand suggesting great expense; lavish;
submissive willing to obey orders; yielding; timid rich; Ex. sumptuous feast
subordinate occupying a lower rank; inferior; submis- ♠ sunder separate; part; CF. asunder
sive; N. V: put in a lower rank or class
♠ sundry miscellaneous; various; several; N. sundries:
♠ suborn persuade to act unlawfully (especially to com-
small miscellaneous items
mit perjury); N. subornation
♠ superannuated retired or disqualified because of age;
♠ subpoena writ(written command issued by a court)
outmoded; obsolete
summoning a witness to appear in court; V: summon
with a subpoena
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 supercilious haughty; arrogant; condescending; pa- ♠ suture stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound
tronizing; CF. eyebrow, cilium or incision; material used in sewing; V: sew together a
♠ supererogatory superfluous; more than needed or de- wound
manded ♠ swarthy (of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky; Ex.
superficial of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thor- swarthy Italian ?
ough; trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge ♠ swathe swath; wrap around; bandage; Ex. one’s head
superfluous excessive; overabundant; unnecessary; N. swathed in bandages
superfluity ♠ swelter (of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be op-
superimpose place over something else pressed by heat

♠ supernumerary person or thing excess of what is nec- ♠ swerve deviate; turn aside sharply from a straight
essary; extra; ADJ: additional to the usual or necessary course; Ex. swerve from the principle; Ex. The car
number swerved to the right.

supersede replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete; ♠ swill drink greedily
N. supersession swindler cheater
♠ supine lying on back; passive; inactive; Ex. The de- ♠ sybarite lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure
feated pugilist lay supine; Ex. supine acceptance of the and luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
decision
supplant take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace sycophant servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man; ADJ.
supple flexible; limber; pliant sycophantic

suppliant entreating; beseeching; N. syllogism logical formula consisting of a major premise,

a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious
supplicate petition humbly; pray to grant a favor argument
♥ supplicant one who supplicates; ADJ. ♠ sylvan pertaining to the woods or the country
supposition assumption; hypothesis; surmise; V. sup- ♠ symbiosis interdependent relationship
pose (between groups, species) often mutually beneficial;
♠ supposititious assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical ADJ. symbiotic; CF. together + life
symmetry arrangement of parts so that balance is ob-
suppress put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; over-
whelm; inhibit the expression of; check; prevent from tained; congruity; ADJ. symmetrical
being published or made public; Ex. suppress a smile; ♥ lopsided heavier or larger on one side than the other;
Ex. suppress the magazine/truth Ex. lopsided way of walking
♠ surfeit satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to synchronous similarly timed; simultaneous with; oc-
excess in anything; N: surfeiting; excessive amount; Ex. curring at the same time; V. synchronize
surfeit of food
synoptic providing a general overview; summary; N.
♠ surly bad-tempered; rude; cross synopsis
♥ cross bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry synthesis combining parts or separate things into a
whole; the whole so formed; PL. syntheses; V. synthe-
surmise guess; N.
size
surmount overcome
synthetic not natural; artificial; resulting from synthe-
surpass exceed sis; Ex. synthetic fiber; N.
surreptitious done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hid- tacit understood (without actually being expressed);
den not put into words; Ex. tacit agreement
♠ surrogate substitute; person or thing used in place of ♠ taciturn habitually silent; talking little
another; Ex. surrogate mother; ADJ. tactile pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
surveillance close observation of a person (esp. one un- ♥ tact skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without
der suspicion); watching; guarding causing offence
♠ susceptible impressionable; easily influenced; sensi- ♥ tactful careful no to cause offence; OP. tactless
tive; having little resistance as to a disease; likely to suf-
fer; receptive to; capable of accepting; Ex. susceptible to ♠ taint contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a
persuasion/colds; Ex. The agreement is not susceptible trace of something bad; Ex. tainted reputation; N: stain;
of alteration; N. susceptibility touch of decay or bad influence; CF. touch
sustain suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop; ♠ talisman charm; object believed to give supernatural
maintain; keep in existence; nourish (to maintain life); powers to or protect its bearer
Ex. sustain the family/the trapped miners ♠ talon claw of bird
sustenance sustaining; means of livelihood, support, ♠ tangential only slightly connected; not central; periph-
food, nourishment; something that maintains life; food eral; digressing; showing divergence; CF. tangent

8
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 tangible able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable; ♠ tendentious promoting a particular point of view; bi-
possible to realize or understand; Ex. tangible proof ased; having an aim; designed to further a cause; Ex.
♠ tanner person who turns animal hides into leather tendentious rather than truth-seeking; CF. tend: move
in a certain direction
♥ tan convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure
to the sun tender offer formally; extend; Ex. tender one’s resig-
nation/the exact fare; N: formal offer; money; Ex. le-
♠ tantalize tease; excite by exposing something desirable gal tender; ADJ: young and vulnerable; sensitive to the
while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappoint- touch; sore; soft; delicate; Ex. child of tender years; Ex.
ment; CF. Tantalus: Greek mythological figure tender wound
♠ tantamount equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This inva- tenet doctrine; dogma
sion is tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount
♠ tensile capable of being stretched; of tension; Ex. tensile
rubber

46 ♥ tension stretching; condition of being stretched; mental

strain; strained relationship between groups or people
♠ tantrum fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice; Ex.
♠ tentative not fully worked out or developed; provi-
The child went into tantrums.
sional; experimental; uncertain; hesitant; not definite or
♠ taper very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width positive; Ex. tentative agreement/reply
of a long object; V. make or become gradually ♠ tenuous thin; slim; rare
narrower toward one end
tenure holding of an office or real estate; time during
♠ tarantula venomous spider which such an office is held
♠ tarry linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle ♠ tepid lukewarm; slightly warm; t Hô Ç;
half-hearted;
not eager; Ex. tepid reaction to the new film; Ex. tepid
♠ taut tight; strained; tense; ready; OP. slack
supporter
♠ tautological needlessly repetitious; Ex. “It was visible termination end; V. terminate
to the eye”; N. tautology: needless repetition of the
same sense; statement that is always true terminology terms used in a science or art; study of
nomenclature
♠ tawdry cheap and gaudy; Ex. tawdry jewelry
♠ terminus last stop of railroad; end
taxonomist specialist in classifying (animals, etc.); CF.
taxonomy: science of classification ♥ terminal part that forms the end; railroad or bus station;
ADJ. forming an end; ending in death; fatal; Ex. termi-
tedium boredom; weariness; ADJ. tedious nal cancer
♠ teetotalism practice of abstaining totally from alcoholic terrestrial on or relating to the earth
drinks; N. teetotaler;; ADJ. teetotal; CF. T + total
terse concise; abrupt; pithy
temerity boldness; nerve; rashness; Ex. temerity to ask
♠ tertiary third in order or rank
for a pay increase after only three day’s work
♠ tessellated mosaic; inlaid; Ex. tessellated pattern
temper moderate; make less severe; tone down or re-
strain; toughen (steel) as by alternate heating and cool- ♠ testator maker of a will; CF. testatrix
ing ♠ testy irritable; impatient and bad-tempered; short-
temperament characteristic frame of mind; disposition; tempered; N. testiness
emotional excess; ADJ. temperamental: of tempera- ♠ tether tie (an animal) with a rope or tether; N: rope
ment; having frequent changes of temper; Ex. tempera- or chain to which an animal is tied; limit of one’s en-
mental dislike of sports; Ex. temperamental actress durance; Ex. the end of one’s tether
temperate moderate; restrained; self-controlled; moder- thematic of a theme; relating to a unifying motif or idea
ate in respect to temperature; CF. temperance: moder-
ation and self-restraint; abstinence of alcoholic drinks;
Ex. temperance society theocracy government run by religious leaders

♠ tempestuous stormy; violent; impassioned; N. tempest: theoretical based on theory; not practical or applied;
violent storm hypothetical
therapeutic curative; N. therapy
tempo speed of music
♠ thermal pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm; Ex.
♠ temporal of time; not lasting forever; limited by time;
thermal bath; N: rising current of warm air
temporary; secular; worldly
♠ thespian pertaining to drama; N: actor or actress
♠ temporize gain time as by postponing an action; avoid
committing oneself ♥ drama prose or verse composition to be performed by
actors; play; exciting and unusual situation
tenacious holding fast (as to a belief); persistent
♠ thrall slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him
tenacity firmness; persistence in thrall; CF. enthrall
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4
♠ threadbare worn through till the threads show; shabby ♠ torque twisting force; force producing rotation
and poor; hackneyed; Ex. threadbare excuses
♠ torrent rushing stream; flood; Ex. The rain fell in tor-
thrifty careful about money; economical; N. thrift rents.
thrive prosper; flourish ♠ torrid (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. tor-
throes violent anguish rid love affairs
♠ throng crowd (of people or things); V. ♠ torso trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; hu-
man trunk
♠ throttle strangle; regulate the speed of with a throttle;
N: valve that regulates the flow; CF. throat ? ♥ trunk main wooden stem of a tree; human body exclud-
ing the head and limbs; torso; prehensile nose of an ele-
♥ strangle kill by choking or suffocating; suppress phant
thwart block or hinder; baffle; frustrate ♠ tortuous winding; full of curves; Ex. tortuous mountain
♠ tightwad miser; excessively frugal person road
♠ tiller handle used to move boat’s rudder (to steer) ♠ totter shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall
♠ timbre quality of a musical tone produced by a musi-
cal instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the touchstone stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys;
same pitch) criterion; standard
timidity lack of self-confidence or courage ♠ touchy oversensitive; easily offended; irasible; delicate;
needing delicate handling; Ex. touchy situation
timorous fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
♠ tout promote or publicize (one’s goods or service);
♠ tipple drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alco-
praise excessively (as a form of advertisement); CF. ad-
holic drink
vertise
♠ tirade long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; ha-
toxic poisonous; N. toxicity
rangue; extended scolding; denunciation
♠ tract propaganda pamphlet (esp. by a religious or po-
♥ tardy slow; sluggish; not on time; late; Ex. tardy arrival
litical group); expanse of land; region of indefinite size;
titanic gigantic; N. titan system of related organs; Ex. digestive tract
♠ tithe tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church); V: pay tractable docile; easily managed; (of something) easily
a tithe changed or molded; N. tractability
♠ titillate tickle; excite pleasantly; Ex. not to titillate the traduce expose to slander
audience but to enlighten it
trajectory path taken by a projectile; Ex. trajectory of a
♥ tickle touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; bullet
please
♥ elevation elevated position; altitude; height; flat up-
title name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal right side of a building; angle made by pointing a gun;
appellation as of rank or office (such as Lord or Gen- Ex. The elevation of her style is much admired; Ex. front
eral); right or claim to possession; championship; Ex. elevation of the house
title as head of the family; Ex. title to the estate
tranquillity calmness; peace
♠ titter nervous giggle; nervous laugh; V.
transcendent exceeding ordinary limits; superior; sur-
♠ titular of a title; in name only; nominal; having the title passing; V. transcend: go beyond; exceed; surpass; N.
of an office without the obligations; Ex. titular head of transcendancy
the company
♥ transcendental going beyond common thought or
♠ toady servile flatterer; yes man; sycophant; V: be a ideas; impossible to understand by practical experi-
toady to; fawn ences or practices; known only by studying thoughts or
♠ toga Roman outer robe intuition; OP. empirical; CF. transcendentalism

tome large volume; book transcribe copy; write a copy of; N. transcription

♥ handsome large in quantity; generous; Ex. handsome transgression violation of a law; sin; V. transgress: go
reward beyond (a limit); violate; do wrong
transient staying for a short time; momentary; tempo-
47 rary; N: one that is transient
♠ tonsure shaving of the head especially by person enter- transition going from one state of action to another
ing religious orders; V. transitory transient; impermanent; fleeting; N. transi-
♠ topography physical features of a region (such as the toriness
shape and height); CF. topo-: place translucent partly transparent
♥ torpedo underwater explosive apparatus; V. transmute transform; change; convert to something dif-
torpor lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy; ADJ. torpid: ferent
lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hiber- transparent permitting light to pass through freely; eas-
nating ily detected; obvious; clear; Ex. transparent lie

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5
♠ transpire (of a fact) become known; be revealed; hap- ♠ truculence aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: ag-
pen; give off (watery waste matter) through pores gressive; pugnacious; fierce
♠ transport strong emotion; rapture; Ex. in a trans- ♠ truism self-evident truth
port/transports of; V: move to strong emotion; enrap-
ture truncate cut the top off; shorten

♠ trappings outward decorations; ornaments (as an out- ♠ tryst meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between
ward sign of rank) lovers to meet

♠ traumatic (of an experience) deeply shocking; pertain- ♠ tumid (of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bom-
ing to an injury caused by violence; N. trauma: serious bastic; pompous
wound; emotional shock that causes lasting psycholog- ♠ overblown inflated; exaggerated
ical damage
♠ tumult commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar;
♠ travail strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of ADJ. tumultuous: noisy and disorderly
childbirth tundra rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North
traverse go through or across America
♠ travesty copy or example of something that completely ♥ rolling (of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes;
misrepresents the true nature of the real thing; comical happening continuously by stages; Ex. rolling devolu-
parody or imitation; treatment aimed at making some- tion of power to local governments
thing appear ridiculous; Ex. travesty of justice; OP. ♠ turbid (of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed;
paragon muddy; thick
treatise article treating a subject systematically and turbulence state of violent agitation; ADJ. turbulent: vi-
thoroughly olently agitated or disturbed
♠ trek travel; journey; V: make a long difficult journey ♠ tureen deep dish for serving soup
tremor trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from ♠ turgid swollen; distended (as from liquid)
nervous agitation)
♠ turmoil extreme confusion; great commotion and con-
tremulous trembling; wavering fusion; Ex. throw the country into turmoil
trenchant cutting; incisive; keen ♠ turncoat traitor
♥ furrow long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrin- ♠ turpitude depravity; baseness; Ex. moral turpitude
kle in the skin; V.
♠ tutelage guardianship; training; function of a tutor; in-
trepidation fear; nervous apprehension struction
♠ tribulation suffering; ordeal; distress; trial ♠ tutelary protective; pertaining to a guardianship; Ex.
♠ tribunal court of justice tutelary deities

♥ tribune official of ancient Rome elected by the plebians ♠ tycoon wealthy and powerful businessperson; wealthy
to protect their rights; protector of the people leader; magnate; Ex. business tycoon

tribute tax levied by a ruler; payment made by one na- typhoon tropical hurricane or cyclone
tion to another in acknowledgment of submission; mark tyranny oppression; cruel government; ADJ. tyranni-
of respect (such as praise or gift); Ex. pay tribute to cal: of a tyrant or tyranny; despotic; V. tyrannize: treat
♠ trident three-pronged spear tyrannically; oppress
tyro beginner; novice
♥ prong pointed projecting part
ubiquitous being everywhere; omnipresent; N. ubiq-
trifling trivial; unimportant
uity
♥ trifle something of little importance or value; small
♥ wade walk through a substance, such as water, that im-
amount; Ex. a trifle; V: treat without seriousness; flirt
pedes movement

trigger set off; start

♠ trilogy group of three related works (connected by a
48
♠ ulterior intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident;
shared subject but each complete in itself)
situated beyond; unstated and often questionable; Ex.
♠ trinket knickknack; bauble; cheap jewelry ulterior motive
trite hackneyed; commonplace ultimate final; not susceptible to further analysis; fun-
damental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.
trivia trifles; unimportant matters
♠ troth pledge of good faith especially in betrothal; be-
♥ eventual happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual vic-
trothal; Ex. by my troth
tory
♠ trough long narrow container for feeding farm animals;
♠ ultimatum last demand; last warning; last statement of
lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.); long nar-
conditions that must be met; Ex. They have ignored our
row depression as between waves
ultimatum.

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♠ umbrage resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; ♥ bar railing in a courtroom; legal profession; vertical line
Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness dividing a staff into equal measures; Ex. prisoner at the
unaccountable unexplicable; impossible to account for; bar; V: shut in or out with bars; forbid; exclude; CF. bar-
unreasonable or mysterious rister
unanimity complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous ♥ bastard illegitimate child
unassailable not open to attack; impregnable; not sub- ♠ ungainly (of someone) awkward in movement;
ject to question clumsy; (of something) unwieldy; Ex. ungainly
dancer/instrument
unassuaged unsatisfied; not soothed
♠ unguent ointment
♠ unassuming modest; Ex. the champion’s unassuming
manner uniformity sameness; monotony; ADJ. uniform: the
♠ unbridled violent; uncontrolled; Ex. unbridled same all over
rage/greed ♠ unilateral one-sided; involving or affecting only one
♥ bridle harness fitted about a horse’s head (used to re- side; Ex. unilateral declaration
strain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or re- ♠ unimpeachable that cannot be impeached; beyond
strain; show anger doubt or question; blameless and exemplary
♠ uncanny strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack uninhibited unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings
♥ knack special talent; art unintimating unfrightening
♠ unconscionable unscrupulous; not guided by con-
unique without an equal; single in kind
science; excessive; beyond reason; Ex. unconscionable
demand ♠ unison unity of pitch (in musical performance); com-
plete accord; Ex. The choir sang in unison.
♠ uncouth boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; out-
landish ♥ choir group of people who sing together (esp. during
♠ unction the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unc- religious services); place for choir
tion universal characterizing or affecting all; general;
♠ unctuous oily; bland; insincerely suave present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic; Ex. uni-
versal agreement; Ex. a subject of universal interest
underlying lying below; fundamental
undermine weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath ♠ unkempt disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not
underscore underline; emphasize combed; CF. comb
undulating moving with a wavelike motion; V. undu- ♠ unmitigated (of something bad) not moderated; unre-
late; CF. und: wave lieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute;
Ex. unmitigated disaster
♠ unearth dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching;
Ex. He unearthed some secrets about her; OP. conceal ♠ unobtrusive inconspicuous; not blatant
unprecedented having no previous example; novel; un-
♠ unearthly not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly paralleled
♥ weird eerie; strange; unnatural ♠ unprepossessing unattractive
unequivocal plain; clear; obvious ♥ prepossessing attractive; CF. preoccupying ?
unerringly infallibly; ADJ. unerring: making no mis- unravel disentangle; solve
takes
unrequited not requited; not reciprocated; Ex. unre-
♠ unexceptionable entirely acceptable; not offering any quited love
basis for criticism
unruly disobedient; lawless; difficult to control
unfaltering steadfast; firm; not changing
unsavory distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive;
unfeigned genuine; real
Ex. unsavory activity/reputation
unfetter liberate; free from chains; V. unfetter
♠ unscathed unharmed; Ex. escape the accident un-
♥ hostage person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy scathed
so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
♠ unseemly unbecoming; not proper in behavior; inde-
♠ unfledged immature; not having the feathers necessary cent; Ex. leave with unseemly haste
to fly; CF. fledgling
♠ unsightly ugly; unpleasant to look at
unfrock defrock; strip a priest or minister of church au-
thority ♠ unsullied untarnished; CF. sully
♥ disbar make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profes- ♠ untenable (of a position, esp. in an argument) indefen-
sion sible; not able to be maintained
♥ debar bar; forbid; exclude; Ex. debarred from jury ser- ♠ untoward unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or un-
vices lucky; Ex. untoward encounter

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 unwarranted unjustified; having no justification; ♥ valediction saying farewell; expression of leave-taking
groundless; baseless; undeserved
♥ leave-taking farewell or departure
unwieldy awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome;
unmanageable valid logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; ef-
fective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport
♠ unwitting not knowing; unaware; unintentional; Ex.
She was their unwitting accomplice; Ex. unwitting in- ♥ sound in good condition; showing good judgment
sult; CF. wit: know or good sense; thorough; complete; Ex. sound
mind/investment/training
♠ unwonted unaccustomed; unusual; Ex. He arrived
with unwonted punctuality. validate make valid; confirm; ratify

♠ upbraid reprimand; severely scold valor bravery; ADJ. valiant: possessing valor; brave

♥ braid plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by vampire ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living
weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of
hair) ♠ vanguard forerunners; foremost position of an army;
♠ uproarious marked by commotion or uproar; very advance forces; foremost position in a trend or move-
noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious; causing loud ment; CF. rearguard
laughter; extremely funny ♥ avantgarde group of artists whose work is based on the
♥ uproar noisy confusion newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard

♠ upshot outcome; final result vantage position giving an advantage (such as a strate-
gic point); CF. vantagepoint
♠ urbane suave; refined in manner; elegant
♠ vapid lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; in-
♠ urchin mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin: sipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture
hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ?; CF. sea
urchin vaporize turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)

ursine bearlike; pertaining to a bear ♠ variegated (esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored

♠ usurp seize another ’s power or rank (without legal au- ♥ variegate change the appearance of (by marking with
thority); supplant; appropriate; N. usurpation; CF. take different colors)
for one’s own use ♠ vassal in feudalism, one who held land of a superior
♠ usury lending money at illegal high rates of interest lord; subordinate or dependent
utopia ideal place, state, or society; ADJ. utopian ♠ vaunted boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt:
boast; brag
♥ Shangri-la imaginary remote paradise on earth; CF.
Lost Horizon ♠ veer change in direction; swerve
♠ uxorious excessively submissive or devoted to one’s ♠ vegetate live in a monotonous way (without interests or
wife; CF. uxor: wife activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetar-
ian; CF. vegan
♠ vacillate waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro;
N. vacillation vehement forceful; intensely emotional; with marked
vigor; strong; N. vehemence
♠ vacuous empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vac-
uous expression; N. vacuity
vagabond wanderer (without a permanent home);
49
tramp velocity speed
♥ tramp walk with a heavy step; travel on foot; N: va- ♠ venal capable of being bribed; corrupt; CF. vernal
grant; one who travels aimlessly about; long walk; ♠ vendetta blood feud (esp. between two families); CF.
sound of heavy walking Nina Williams
♥ trample step heavily with the feet; crush under the feet vendor seller
♥ tread walk; trample; N: grooved face of a tire; ♠ veneer thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued
horizontal part of a step to a base of inferior material); cover; surface show;
♠ vagary capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wan- fac¸ade; V.
der ♠ venerable deserving high respect; commanding re-
vagrant wandering from place to place; roving; stray; spect; CF. command: deserve and get
moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N. ♠ venerate revere; treat with great respect
vagrancy
♠ venial (of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial
vagrant homeless wanderer
♠ venison meat of a deer; CF. cow: beef; CF. pig: pork,
♠ vainglorious boastful; excessively conceited; N. vain- ham, bacon; CF. calf: veal; CF. sheep: mutton; CF. lamb:
glory: great vanity lamb
valedictory pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address ♠ venom poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full
(esp. at graduation exercises) of venom; ADJ. venomous

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♠ vent small opening; outlet (as of fumes or a gas); Ex. He vestige trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient reli-
gave vent to his anger by kicking the chair. gion
♠ vent release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. ♥ veto vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right;
unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family. V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto
♥ ventilate admit fresh air into to replace stale air vex annoy; distress
♠ ventral abdominal viable capable of maintaining life; feasible; practical or
ventriloquist someone who can make his or her voice workable; Ex. viable scheme
seem to come from another person or thing (without ♠ viand food; CF. live
moving lips or jaws); N. ventriloquism, ventriloquy
♠ vicarious experienced as if one were taking part in the
venture risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk; N. experience of another; done by a deputy for other peo-
ple; acting as a substitute; Ex. vicarious thrill at the
♥ brave face courageously; Ex. brave the storm
movies; Ex. the vicarious sufferings of Christ
venturesome (of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; ♥ vicar parish priest; representative
(of an action) risky
♠ vicissitude change (esp. from good to bad); change of
♠ venue location; place (of a crime, trial, gathering, etc.); fortune; CF. the last emperor of China
CF. come
♠ victuals food; provisions; V. victual: provide with food
♠ veracious (of a person) truthful
vie contend; compete
♠ veracity truthfulness; adherence to the truth
vigilant watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert
verbalize put into words; ADJ. verbal: of words; spo- to spot danger; N. vigilance
ken rather than written; oral; of a verb
♥ vigil keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours);
verbatim word for word; in the same words; repeating Ex. all-night vigil
the actual words exactly
♥ vigilante one who without authority assumes law en-
verbiage pompous array of words; too many unneces- forcement powers
sary words; wordiness
vigor active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigor-
verbose wordy; N. verbosity ous
♠ verdant green; covered with green plants or grass; lush ♠ vignette small drawing placed at the beginning or end
in vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch; short written
description of a character or scene
♥ lush (of a plant or grass) growing very well
♠ vilify slander; speak evil of; N. vilification
♠ verdigris green coating or patina on copper which has
been exposed to the weather ♠ vindicate clear from blame; free from blame or accu-
sation (with supporting proof); exonerate; substantiate;
verge border; edge, rim, or margin; Ex. on the verge of: justify or support; avenge; Ex. vindicate one’s client; Ex.
very near to; V: border on vindicate one’s claim; CF. vindicator
♠ verisimilar having the appearance of truth or reality; ♠ vindictive disposed to revenge; vengeful; out for re-
probable or likely to be true; plausible venge; spiteful; intended to cause harm; malicious; Ex.
♠ verisimilitude appearance of truth; quality of appear- vindictive streak
ing to be true or real; likelihood; Ex. verisimilitude of ♠ vintner wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine
her performance as Lady Macbeth
viper poisonous snake
♠ veritable being truly so; real or genuine; actual; not
false or imaginary virile manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of
strength
verity quality of being true; lasting truth or principle;
virtual in essence; existing in essence though not
Ex. the verity of his testimony; Ex. one of the eternal
in actual form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual
verities
ruler/space
♠ vernacular living language (as compared to the official
virtue goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advan-
language); language spoken in a country or region; nat-
tage; Ex. by virtue of; Ex. make a virtue of necessity
ural style; Ex. lapse into the vernacular
♠ virtuoso highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano
♠ vernal pertaining to spring virtuoso
versatile having many talents; capable of working in ♠ virulent (of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or
many fields; having many uses or functions; N. versa- poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter; N. virulence; CF.
tility virus; CF. venom
vertex summit; highest point; PL. vertices virus disease communicator
vertigo severe dizziness; giddiness ♠ visage face; appearance
♠ verve enthusiasm (as in artistic performance or compo- ♠ visceral felt in one’s inner organs; N. viscera: internal
sition); liveliness; vigor body organs; CF. eviscerate

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9
♠ viscid adhesive; gluey ♠ vouchsafe grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex.
viscous (of a liquid) thick and sticky; gluey; viscid; CF. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment
consistency ♥ vouch give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his
♠ vise vice; tool for holding work in place; clamping de- integrity; N. voucher
vice ♠ voyeur Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual grati-
♠ visionary produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; fication from observing the sexual acts of others
showing foresight; N: one having foresight; one given vulnerable susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulner-
to speculative impractical ideas ability
♥ vision eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by ♠ vulpine like a fox; crafty
the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural
♥ craft skill (esp. with one’s hands); skill in deceiving peo-
ple; guile; ADJ. crafty: cleverly deceitful; cunning
vital full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of ♥ vulture carrion-eating birds
great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life; living;
breathing; N. vitality; V. vitalize ♥ vying contending; CF. vie
♥ vibrant full of vigor or energy; vibrating ♠ waffle speak equivocally about an issue; N.
♠ vitiate spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt ♠ waft move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves;
morally Ex. leaves wafting past the window

♠ vitreous of glass; pertaining to or resembling glass; ♠ waggish humorous; mischievous; tricky

V. vitrify: change into glass; CF. petrify ♥ wag shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog
♠ vitriolic causing sharp pain to the mind; caustic; cor- wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit
rosive; sarcastic; of vitriol; N. vitriol: sulphuric acid ♠ waif homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays
(which burns flesh deeply); bitterly abusive expression;
waive give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a
caustic expression; CF. glass
right or claim; document that waives a right or claim
♠ vituperative abusive; scolding; V. vituperate: berate;
♠ wake trail of ship or other object through water; path of
scold; rail against abusively
something that has gone before; Ex. hunger followed in
♠ vivacious lively or animated; sprightly the wake of the war
♥ sprightly lively ♠ wallow roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in
a rough sea; become helpless; Ex. wallow in the
vivisection act of dissecting living animals
mud/luxury
♠ vixen female fox; ill-tempered woman; CF. shrew ♠ wan having a pale or sickly color; pallid
vociferous clamorous; noisy; V. vociferate: cry out ♠ wanderlust strong longing to travel
loudly (when complaining)
♠ wane decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow
♠ vogue popular fashion; Ex. Jeans became the vogue. gradually to an end; Ex. The moon waxes and wanes
every month; N.
50 ♠ wangle achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake;
♠ volatile changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.
of temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating ♥ wiggle wriggle; move from side to side with irregular
rapidly; Ex. volatile character/situation in the street twisting motions
volition act of using one’s will; act of making a con- ♥ fake not genuine; N: one that is not genuine; impostor;
scious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own sham; V: counterfeit; Ex. fake the results of the experi-
volition. ment/the signature
voluble fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility ♠ wanton unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully ma-
licious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous; Ex.
♥ volley simultaneous discharge of a number of shots;
wanton spending/killing; CF. having no just cause
V.
♠ warble (of a bird) sing; babble; N.
voluminous having great volume (as of a garment or
container); bulky; large warp twist out of shape; N.
♥
♥ bulk size or volume (esp. when very large); main part;
Ex. The bulk of the work has already been done; ADJ. warranted justified; authorized
bulky: having great size
♥ warrant justification; written order that serves as autho-
♥ voodoo religion practiced chiefly in Haiti rization (esp. a judicial writ); Ex. search/death warrant;
V: justify; guarantee
voracious ravenous; eating large quantities of food;
exceedingly eager; insatiable; Ex. voracious ani- warranty guarantee; assurance by seller
mal/reader ♠ warren tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded liv-
vortex whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; ing area; crowded conditions in which people live
predicament into which one is inexorably plunged wary very cautious; watchful
9
0
♠ wastrel waster; profligate ♠ wispy thin; slight; barely discernible
♠ wax increase gradually (as the moon); grow ♥ wisp small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)
♠ waylay ambush; lie in wait for and attack ♠ wistful sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memo-
♥ ambush act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sud- ries); sadly pensive; vaguely longing
den attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ♠ withdrawn introverted; retiring; remote
ambush; V.
♥ remote distant in manner; aloof
♠ wean accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the
young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by ♠ wither (of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose
suckling; give up a cherished activity; cause to gradu- freshness; shrivel; decay
ally leave (an interest or habit); Ex. wean oneself from ♥ shrivel make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often
cigarettes by drying)
♠ weather pass safely through (a storm or difficult pe- ♠ withhold refuse to give; hold back; Ex. withholding tax
riod); endure the effects of weather or other forces
♠ welt raised mark from a beating or whipping withstand stand up against; resist successfully
♠ welter confusion; turmoil; confused mass; bewildering witless lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic
jumble; Ex. welter of data
♠ witticism witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)
♠ welter wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as
in blood); Ex. The victims weltered in their blood.
wizardry sorcery; magic
♠ wheedle deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole;
♠ wizened shriveled; withered; Ex. wizened apple/old
coax; Ex. wheedle a promise out of her
lady
♠ whelp young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family);
woe great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction;
young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.
suffering; Ex. financial woes
♠ whet sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone’s appetite
♥ woeful sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably
♠ whiff puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; bad; Ex. woeful housing conditions
hint; Ex. whiff of perfume/scandal
♠ wont (the stated person’s) habit or custom; habitual
♠ whimsical capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange procedure; ADJ. wonted: customary
♥ whim sudden capricious idea; fancy worldly engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual;
♥ whimsy whim; tendency to behave amusingly of the material world
strangely; Ex. story full of whimsy ♠ wrangle quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd
♠ whinny neigh like a horse; CF. neigh: make the sound cattle; N.
which horses make ♥ herd group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a
♠ whit small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of herd; Ex. shepherd/goatherd; Ex. herd instinct; Ex.
herdsman; V: come together in a herd; look after a herd;
♠ whittle pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in Ex. herd cattle
this way; reduce gradually; trim
wrath anger; fury
♥ pare cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a
knife); trim; Ex. pare apples/expenses ♠ wreak inflict; Ex. wreak one’s vengeance on

♠ whorl ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular ar- wrench twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out
rangement; Ex. whorls on the fingers of her hands.

willful wilful; intentional; headstrong ♠ wrest obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by vi-
olence; Ex. wrest victory from their grasp
♥ wilt loose freshness; droop
♠ writ written command issued by a court (telling some-
wily crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem one to do or not to do something)
♠ writhe twist in coils; contort in pain
♠ wince move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She
♠ wry (esp. of an expression of the face) twisted; with a
winced as she touched the cold body.
humorous twist (expressing displeasure)
♥ start move suddenly or involuntarily; Ex. start at the
xenophobia fear or hatred of foreigners; N. xenophobe
sight of a snake
♠ yen strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel
♠ windfall fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event
♠ yeoman man or farmer owning small estate; middle-
♠ winnow sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing;
class farmer
separate good parts from bad; CF. wind
yield amount produced; crop; income on investment;
♥ sift put through a sieve to separate fine from coarse par-
profit obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in;
ticles; sort or examine carefully
surrender
♠ winsome charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gra-
♠ yoke join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining
cious; engaging
two draft animals

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♠ yokel rustic; country bumpkin; •@r0lu
♠ yore time long past; Ex. in the days of yore
♠ zany comic; crazy; N: clown; comical person (given to
outlandish behavior)
zeal eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal); ADJ. zealous

zealot one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows

excessive zeal
zenith point directly overhead in the sky; summit;
acme; highest point
♠ zephyr gentle breeze; west wind

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